A Journey Through Music and Moments: Visiting Dayanita Singh’s Photography Exhibition at the National Museum, Kolkata
Visiting a museum is always a unique experience, but that too with photography left one indelible mark on our soul. This was how my family and I felt when we stepped into the National Museum, Kolkata, to witness the stunning museum exhibitions along with the photography exhibition by the renowned photographer Dayanita Singh. As a photographer, stepping into Dayanita Singh’s exhibition at the National Museum, Kolkata, was a profoundly inspiring experience. Her collection, featuring intimate portraits of legendary Indian musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Rashid Khan, and Pt Ajay Chakraborty, was a masterclass in storytelling through imagery. Each frame spoke volumes, not just about the musicians but about the intricate relationship between music and life.
Singh’s lens captured the unseen, quieter moments of these maestros—their leisure, their travels, and the camaraderie they shared during concert tours. One of the most striking elements was how she documented their rented tour bus, transformed into a sacred space of ‘rewaj’—a haven for rehearsals, light-hearted conversations, and deep musical discussions.
Each photograph told a layered story beyond their performances. The candid shots of Ustad Zakir Hussain mid-laughter, the contemplative gaze of some unknown musician as he looked out of a bus window, or the simple joy of musicians sharing a meal—all painted a vivid picture of their world off stage. These weren’t just images; they were breathing, living moments frozen in time.
As a photographer, I was in awe at Singh’s ability to capture raw, unguarded emotions. From light, to line, from shadow to space everything is there to grab with two eyes. Her intuitive framing and use of light created an intimacy that allowed viewers to connect deeply with each subject. Every photograph felt like a passage into the lives of these musicians, revealing their friendships, their passion, and the simple joys they found in everyday moments.
What made this visit even more memorable was the tragic news that Ustad. Zakir Hussain had passed away the previous night. Standing before his portraits, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss, yet also gratitude. His laughter, his essence, had been immortalized through Singh’s lens, ensuring that his presence would continue to inspire through art.
Walking out of the museum that day, I carried a renewed appreciation for photography’s power to preserve legacies. Singh’s work had transcended documentation—it was a celebration of music, friendship, and the undying spirit of artistic expression. Capturing the simple life styles from today’s standards are also quite a thing to see on these pictures from the bygone era, where artists were more human than only celebrities. It reinforced my belief that photography, at its best, is not just about capturing images but about preserving the soul of a moment.
Thanks Saptarshi Da, for introducing Dayanita Singh to me. It was during his sessions that I repeatedly learned and tried to study Dayanita Singh’s photography style. The exhibition was like a book to me, every photograph is a learner’s chapter in itself. As a student/worker of the art of photography, it was like visiting a temple for me. This exhibition was more than just a visual experience; it was an emotional journey—one that will stay with me forever. And for that, I shall cherish this visit forever.
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