60 Years of Jahangir Art Gallery

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           OCTOBER 20, 2012           7.30 P.M.

17 October 2012 was the day when I wanted to post this blog . On that day iconic Jehangir Art Gallery completed 60 years if its existence . But I was unable to post this blog on that day because I was busy in untangling the latest maze in my professional life . I have almost thwarted the threat coming to me from some upstart , uncouth Acting Trainers of Mumbai .

You can call me Acting Trainer of Mumbai or Acting Tutor of Mumbai , it doesn’t matter much . I , as one of the most successful Acting Coach , am doing this job since 23 years . But sometimes even ants seem to overpower a lion , though temporarily .

That is precisely the reason I missed the historic opportunity . I am delayed by 3 days . Apart from the historical importance of the gallery , I was eager to write this blog because Jehangir Art Gallery was stablished in 1952 , the year of my birth . So we share the same birth year .

Jahangir art gallery (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Jehangir Art Gallery is Mumbai’s most famous art gallery and a tourist attraction. It was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir at the urging of K. K. Hebbar and Homi Bhabha. It was built in 1952. Managed by the Bombay Art Society, the entire cost of this mansion was donated by Cowasji Jehangir.

Sir Cowasji Jehangir Readymoney C.S.I., Parsi Businessman, and philanthropist from Bombay. (1812-1878) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda, behind the Prince of Wales Museum, in South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. and has four exhibition halls. The gallery was designed by G.M.Bhuta for G.M. Bhuta & Associates. A mammoth institution in itself, its history is linked with the renaissance of Indian art. The complex also has the popular cafe of Samovar, which is reminiscent of the 70’s socialist culture. It also houses Natesans, the country’s oldest licensed antique dealers. Entry is free.

The art gallery and the Samovar restaurant were featured in the 1975 Bollywood film Choti Si Baat.

The building has been designed by Durga Bajpai and is one of the early concrete structures in the city. The gallery has been turned inwards due to a combined function of an auditorium and an art gallery. Although the concept of an introvert art gallery could be questioned today, the Jehangir is an example of an early modernist notion of the inward looking art galleries in the city. Moreover, the function of the auditorium left no scope for the gallery to be open to the street. The play with concrete can be easily seen with a large wavy cantilevered entrance which embraces the street. The otherwise bland facade is articulated with relief stone cladding.

I first visited the Gallery in 1972 , when I visited the city. Then again I visited it in 1989 , when I came here and settled . Till date I have visited it many times .

The Kala Ghoda precinct is unique in many ways . It has , apart from Jehangir Art Gallery , old Watson Hotel , Prince of Wales Museum and J. J. School of Arts . Rhythm House , the well – known music store , is also situated here . Max Muller Bhawan , the cultural centre of Germany , is also here . Iconic Taj Mahal Hotel and Gateway of India are not very far off . A mere walk in the lanes of Kala Ghoda precinct can send you into the memory lane of history . It can invigorate you , charge you to no end .

 

Watson’s Hotel in Kala Ghoda. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

Gateway of India in Mumbai, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

I have done it many times . I beseech you to do this once . Go there , have a lazy stroll and feel the essence of old Bombay .

[ I have taken information about Jehangir Art gallery from Wikipedia . I express gratitude . ]

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