Chronicles of Time: Bhagyashree Unveils ‘Dastavez 3’ Exhibition at Phoenix Palassio
A Curated Journey Through Two Centuries
The exhibition is the brainchild of Suboor Usmani, a senior IRS officer currently serving as the Director of Intelligence and Criminal Investigation in Uttar Pradesh. An avid archivist, Usmani has meticulously assembled a collection that dates back to the 1820s, capturing the evolution of society, politics, and science through the lens of the printing press.
The opening day saw a high-profile turnout, with acclaimed filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia and actor-writer Zeishan Quadri exploring the rare archives.
Highlights of the Exhibition
“Dastavez 3” offers a tangible link to the past with several "once-in-a-lifetime" exhibits:
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Antique Journalism: Original copies of a newspaper from 1826 and a weekly financial stock report from 1879.
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Royal & National Milestones: Commemorative issues of The Illustrated Weekly of India covering the 1937 coronation of King George VI, alongside historic Calcutta Gazette editions marking Indian Independence.
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Science & Space: Rare reports on the 1969 Moon Landing, tributes to Albert Einstein, and features on Indian space heroes Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla.
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Literature & Arts: A 1948 edition of the literary journal Hans, edited by Amrit Rai (son of the legendary Munshi Premchand).
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Pop Culture & Sports: Archival features on cinema icons like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan, and a celebratory look back at India's 1983 World Cup triumph.
Voices from the Event
Inaugurating the showcase, Bhagyashree—beloved for her timeless role in Maine Pyar Kiya—lauded the initiative for its role in preserving history for the younger generation. Her presence added a touch of grace to the event, reflecting the "timeless appeal" that the exhibition itself aims to portray.
"Dastavez 3 is more than just a display; it is a profound cultural experience that bridges the gap between generations. At Phoenix Palassio, we are committed to hosting events that preserve our collective identity and history. Having Bhagyashree ji with us makes this occasion even more momentous." — Sanjeev Sarin, Retail Director (North), Phoenix Mills
