“Louvre Abu Dhabi” opens today the exhibition “Big Stars of Bollywood: The World of Indian Cinema”.

Abu Dhabi (Al Ittihad)

His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of Louvre Abu Dhabi, opened the museum’s first exhibition of the year, entitled ‘Bollywood’s Biggest Stars: The World of Indian Cinema’, which is scheduled for 2012. June. Musée Branly, in association with Jacques Chirac and the Musée Fondation de France in particular, the exhibition explores the depth and richness of art and civilization on the Indian subcontinent. Its rich history in the field of imaging, as well as highlighting the diversity of the Indian film industry.
The exhibition is curated by Julien Rousseau, Responsible for the Branly-Jacques Chirac Asian Collections with Hélène Kissou, Doctor in Anthropology and Ethnology from the Faculty of Social Sciences, with the support of the Doctor. Toraya Nujaim, Director of Collections and Curators, Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and Scientific Research.
On this occasion, Manuel Rabate, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, commented: “The presentation of the exhibition ‘Big Stars of Bollywood: The World of Indian Cinema’ at Louvre Abu Dhabi demonstrates our unwavering commitment to highlighting the reach of rich culture. in the United Arab Emirates. Our team and partners have worked tirelessly to create the richest collection of artworks that have emerged from the heart of Indian society and popular culture. We hope that presenting this exciting glimpse into the rich and varied history of cinema on the Indian subcontinent will help viewers understand many of our intertwined roots, shared values ​​and cultural ties that bind us together.

artistic wealth
For their part, curators Julien Rousseau and Hélène Kissos said: “This exhibition is a tribute to Indian cinema and Indian cinema lovers and the public can appreciate it as we hope that this exhibition reflects the level of artistic richness. that characterizes Asian traditions and tells us the origin stories of this cinema. Furthermore, this show celebrates the big Bollywood stars who are adored by their fans in India in a way that is rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
doctor Suraya Njeim, Director of Collections, Curation and Research at Louvre Abu Dhabi, commented: “This exhibition offers visitors a unique insight into the rich and distinguished history of the development of Bollywood and Indian cinema, and highlights the enduring presence of great mythological characters and Literary narratives in Indian culture. Bollywood Superstars: World of Indian Cinema is a special exhibition that complements the museum’s collection and is in line with its curatorial approach, and we hope that visitors to this exhibition will have the opportunity to better understand our roots, our shared values ​​and our cultural bonds.”
For his part, Emmanuel Casarhero, President of the Musée du K Branly-Jacques Chirac, said: “Indian cinema has been explored in myriad ways, and the exhibition ‘Bollywood Superstars: The World of Indian Cinema’ presents a variety of narratives and styles . . A treasure that reflects the diversity of its history, country, local identities and languages. Likewise, this exhibition is characterized by the quality and originality of its contents. And given the role of the K Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum as an entity dedicated to enriching art and culture on every continent, it is an honor to collaborate with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an inspiring and influential institution that shares its values. Beauty, openness and understanding with everyone.

cultural program
Through over 80 works, including photographs, textiles, graphic arts and excerpts from over 30 films, the exhibition highlights the rich history of Indian cinema from its inception in the late 19th century to the present day. The collection of works presented in the exhibition came from the collections of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Musée du K Branly-Jacques Chirac, Military Museum, National Museum of Asian Art – Guimé, Al-Sabah Collection, Raja Ravi Varma Collection. Heritage Foundation and the Priya Powell Collection.
The ‘Big Bollywood Stars: The World of Indian Cinema’ exhibition is accompanied by a rich cultural program open to the public, including a panel discussion moderated by the exhibition’s curators on 24 January 2023, as well as six renowned Indian exhibitions. Cinema during the month of March. The famous secret night is also set to return in a new and larger scale form called “Mystery Night: Mumbai Nights 2”, during which guests will have the chance to delve into the world of Indian cinema.