“Sitaare Zameen Par” Exhibition at KNMA Takes Visitors on a Nostalgic Journey to the Golden Era of Indian Cinema

Aditya Sisodia

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Noida is taking art and cinema enthusiasts on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting era of Indian pop culture with its latest exhibition, “Sitaare Zameen Par.” The exhibition showcases a captivating series of portrait photographs of Bollywood icons from the 1940s to the ’60s, beautifully captured by renowned photographer JH Thakker.

Step into the KNMA Noida and return to the golden age of Indian cinema, where glamour and fantasy reign supreme. “Sitaare Zameen Par” invites visitors to reminisce about a magical era filled with unforgettable melodies, poignant dialogues, and heroic scenes that continue to evoke emotions even today.

JH Thakker, a distinguished photographer of his time, played an integral role in preserving the essence and grandiosity of Bollywood’s fifties and sixties. He invited legendary heroes and heroines to his studio in Dadar, Mumbai, resulting in timeless pictures that still tug at the heartstrings of cinephiles. These powerful portraits capture the era’s essence, showcasing the opulence, innocence, and sheer charisma of the Bollywood icons that have become eternal legends.

The exhibition, “Sitaare Zameen Par,” aims to contextualise the golden era of Hindi cinema and revive the memory of the luminous film figures who have now become distant heavenly bodies in the overarching cinematic universe. Through these captivating photographs, KNMA invites viewers to experience nostalgia and a sense of wonderment and revelation. For younger audiences more accustomed to the digital multiplex experience, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with the stars and the cinematic magic that captivated countless moviegoers of the past.

Roobina Karode, Director and Chief Curator of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, emphasises the intention to recreate the glitz and glamour of the golden era. She describes Indian cinema as having a “magical realist” quality, where images flicker on the screen as conduits for a momentary escape from reality. With “Sitaare Zameen Par,” KNMA aims to provide a similar experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the extravagant world of the past. Read more

The exhibition is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm, at KNMA Noida. Attendees can expect to be captivated by the stunning portraits that evoke the spirit of the golden era, celebrating the icons who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

For those seeking a respite from the digital age and yearning for a deeper connection with the rich cultural heritage of Indian cinema, “Sitaare Zameen Par” offers an unforgettable experience. Step into the KNMA Noida and let the star-studded walls transport you to a time of true romance, melodrama, and classical music.

Don’t miss the opportunity to revel in the magnificence of JH Thakker’s oeuvre at KNMA Noida. Immerse yourself in the captivating portraits and relish the extraordinary talent and charisma of the Bollywood stars who continue to shine brightly in our memories.

Experience the magic of “Sitaare Zameen Par” and indulge in the mesmerising allure of the golden era of Indian cinema at KNMA Noida.