Watch ‘Bollywood Superstar’ now at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Bollywood superstars demonstrate our enduring commitment to showcasing the cultural wealth that defines so much of life in the United Arab Emirates. Our staff and partners work tirelessly to showcase alongside film screenings the most ambitious works of art that are at the heart of Indian society and popular culture. It is our hope that visitors will be better served by glimpses into the rich and varied history of filmmaking in the subcontinent gain a better understanding of our common roots, shared values ​​and cultural ties.”

Bollywood Superstars is co-curated by Julien Rousseau and Hélène Kessous, PhD in Social Anthropology and Ethnology, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Jacques Chirac, Curator and Director of the Asia Pavilion at the Musée du quai Branly, with the support of Dr. Abu Dhabi Souraya Noujaim, director of science, curation and collection management at the Louvre.

“This exhibition is a tribute to Bollywood that can be enjoyed by Indian film fans and the wider public. We wanted it to portray the richness of Asian heritage and tell the stories that led to the birth of this film. The exhibition celebrates Bollywood superstars, They are adored by Indian fans in a way that is rarely seen elsewhere in the world,” Rousseau said.

As the world’s leading film producer, India currently produces more than 1,500 films a year in about 20 languages, which are exported across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Indian pioneers took advantage of emerging image technologies such as lithography and photography, starting the journey from the first movie to the grand musical. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Bollywood’s international success and appreciate the diversity of Indian cinema. Comprehensive exhibitions cover the history of Indian cinema, from storytelling, dance and pre-film to religious and mythological influences and the rise of Bollywood superstars.

These artworks come from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Quai Branly Museum – Jacques Chirac, Army Museum, National Museum of Asian Art – Guimet, al-Sabah Collection, Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation and Priya Paul Collection.

“Bollywood is more than just the film industry; it is a cultural phenomenon that captivates audiences around the world. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the long and fantastic history and development of Bollywood and Indian cinema and highlights “The persistence of great mythological and literary narratives in Indian culture. Bollywood Superstars is a special exhibition that complements our collection and aligns with our curatorial approach. We hope it will give our visitors a better understanding of our common roots, shared values ​​and cultural connections,” Dr Noujaim said.

“Indian cinema can be approached from countless angles. ‘Bollywood Superstars’ reveals a diverse narrative and stylistic repertoire that reflects the country’s history, local identities and linguistic diversity. The exhibition is renowned for the quality and originality of its content Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, dedicated to promoting the richness of art and culture on all continents, is proud to partner with Louvre Abu Dhabi, an inspiring and influential institution of beauty, openness and Values ​​of understanding,” Emmanuel said. Kasarhérou, President of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.

Through the works on display, the exhibition explores the rich history of Indian cinema from the late 19th century to the present. Inspired by exhibitions of Bollywood’s biggest stars, a rich cultural program will be offered to the public, including an in-depth talk hosted by the exhibition’s curator on January 24, and screenings of six iconic Bollywood films throughout March.

The famous Secret Soirée event will also return with a new and larger version, “Secret Soirée: Mumbai Nights 2”, immersing guests in the world of Bollywood.

In addition, there will be a range of educational activities for visitors of all ages. These include a quick tour of the exhibition; a Make and Play event, where families can explore a variety of storytelling techniques inspired by Bollywood movie posters, and a Young Visitors Guide, offering young people the opportunity to learn about Indian cinema.

Bollywood Superstars is supported by PureHealth as season partner of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Following its presentation at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the exhibition will be reinterpreted at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, offering new audiences the opportunity to discover this immersive experience.

The podcast, recorded by the curators of the Bollywood superstar exhibition, will be available to the public on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website and mobile app. The exhibition catalog in Arabic, English and French is available at the Louvre Abu Dhabi boutique.