Veteran actor Jackie Shroff added warmth, nostalgia and star power to an unforgettable evening at the ongoing ‘Lens & Legacy – Bollywood in Focus’ exhibition at National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai. The exhibition, which celebrates the rich visual history of Indian cinema through rare photographs and archival moments, witnessed an emotional and lively visit from the beloved actor, who charmed guests with his candid memories and trademark spontaneity.
Held in Mumbai, the exhibition has become a major attraction for cinema lovers, artists and photography enthusiasts. Jackie Shroff arrived at the venue in high spirits and spent considerable time exploring the gallery. Moving through the exhibition at a relaxed pace, he stopped frequently to interact with visitors, pose for photographs and engage in conversations about cinema and memories from the golden era of Bollywood.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Jackie paused before a portrait of legendary actor Dharmendra, who is being specially honoured at the exhibition alongside iconic singer Asha Bhosle. Deeply moved, Jackie affectionately kissed Dharmendra’s photograph, creating an emotional moment that resonated with everyone present at the gallery.
The actor also stopped before a photograph of legendary star Dev Anand and fondly kissed the portrait while reminiscing about the veteran icon who played an important role in inspiring his cinematic journey. Jackie’s emotional connection with Bollywood’s golden era was visible throughout the evening as he recalled stories from his early years and shared heartfelt memories linked to Indian cinema.
Adding to the atmosphere, Jackie Shroff entertained guests by singing songs while walking through the exhibition halls. His lively and unfiltered energy transformed the evening into a celebration of cinema nostalgia. At one point, he fondly remembered wrestler-actor Dara Singh and recalled watching the iconic film King Kong at Mumbai’s historic Silver Theatre during his younger days. His stories transported guests back to a time when single-screen theatres and classic Bollywood films shaped the city’s cultural landscape.
The evening was hosted by Nidhi Choudhari, Director of NGMA Mumbai, who welcomed artists, film personalities and guests to the exhibition. Prominent personalities including philanthropist Aneel Kashi Murarka, theatre veteran Dolly Thakore and writer Nandita Puri were also present during the event.
‘Lens & Legacy – Bollywood in Focus’ showcases the work of renowned photojournalists and archivists including Pradeep Chandra, Sudharak Olwe, Shantanu Das, Bandeep Singh, film historian SMM Ausaja and Neha Kamat of Kamat Foto Flash. Together, the exhibition presents rare and emotionally rich glimpses into the world of Indian cinema.
The exhibition continues to attract large crowds and will remain open to the public at NGMA Mumbai until June 30, 2026.
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