THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Presents the 16th Bombay Booked programme
Join us for a discussion between author RINKI ROY BHATTACHARYA and cinema historian and award-winning documentary maker SANJIT NARWEKAR on the book SUHANA SAFAR: The Journey of Bimal Roy's Madhumati. The book is a rare insight into the creative process of the movie maestro, Bimal Roy.
Date: Monday, 11th August 2025
Time: 5:00 PM onwards (Tea & Refreshments from 4:30 PM)
Venue: Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Rinki Roy Bhattacharya is an acclaimed writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker — daughter of legendary director Bimal Roy. A former vice-chair of CFSI and founder of Bimal Roy Memorial, she has also authored seminal works like Bimal Roy: A Man of Silence and Behind Closed Doors, while contributing as film-critic for major Indian publications.
Sanjit Narwekar is a walking encyclopedia of Indian cinema, acclaimed for his books like Marathi Cinema in Retrospect (Swarna Kamal winner, 1996). His illustrious career includes honors like the Bimal Roy Memorial Award (2020), Dr. V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), and chairing MIFF’s National Jury.
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai
invites you for a Panel Conversation
FOY's GAZE: How He Saw Bombay, How We See Him
Thursday, 07 August 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
FOY's GAZE
How He Saw Bombay, How We See Him
A PANEL CONVERSATION
Join the Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai for a reflective conversation honouring the invaluable contributions of Foy Nissen in deepening public understanding of Bombay's rich history and vibrant heritage.
PANELIST:
GAUTAM PATEL | JEHANGIR SORABJEE | VIKAS DILAWARI
MODERATED BY : FIONA FERNANDEZ
Date: Thursday, 07 August 2025
Time: 5:00 PM Onwards
(Tea & Refreshments from 4:30 PM)
Venue: Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla , Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
The Geography of Belief
An Online Introductory Lecture by Dr. Kurush F. Dalal
Friday, 1st August 2025
Join us for the opening session of the mega series titled The Geography of Belief, presented by the Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai. This 10-module programme explores the sacred spaces of Mumbai through immersive online lectures and onsite visits.
The Geography of Belief
Introductory Lecture by Dr. Kurush F. Dalal
Friday, 1st August 2025
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM IST
Online via Zoom
The Introductory Lecture is Free & Open to All
Registration is Compulsory
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CHky1hL7Ak8cYSgG9
In this opening lecture, Dr. Dalal sets the stage for a deep dive into the dynamic interaction between sacred spaces and their users. From intimate prayer alcoves to towering temple spires, he will unpack the architectural, ritualistic, and cultural foundations that define “the sacred” in a diverse city like Mumbai.
This session will introduce the series’ thematic focus on:
* Inherent features of worship spaces across different faiths
* Contingent aspects such as historical styles, climate adaptations, and urban coexistence
* An overview of how the lectures and visits will unfold over the coming weeks.
Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, urban scholar, or spiritually curious, this lecture will offer rich insights into spatial devotion across Mumbai’s pluralistic landscape.
More information on the full schedule, speaker lineup, site visits and charges will be shared soon!
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
&
Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai
Presents a tribute to Jim Masselos (1940-2025)
Wednesday, 16th July 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Durbar Hall of the Society
Guest of honour -
Mr. Paul Murphy
Australian Consul General for Western India
Speakers -
Dr Ramdas Bhatkal
Dr. Manjiri Kamat
Dr. Simin Patel &
Chirodeep Chaudhuri
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
Bombay Booked – 14
Featuring the book “Ramblings of a Bandra Boy”, by Joy Bimal Roy
Friday, 11th July 2025 at 5 p.m. in the Durbar Hall of the Society
The Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai presents Bombay Booked - 14. This session will feature the book Ramblings of a Bandra Boy, by Joy Bimal Roy.
A collection of insightful writings about growing up in an upper middleclass household, where the mundane and the extraordinary come together. Tinged with equal parts humour and quiet contemplation, Joy uses the smallest incidents and moments to draw you into his life, his childhood, the house he grew up in, and the world of bollywood.
Joy will be in conversation with Shireen Gandhy, gallerist Chemould Prescott Road. And Denzil Smith, film and stage actor and producer will read excerpts from the book.
Date: 11 July, 2025
Time: 5 pm
Venue: Durbar Hall, Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Please join us for tea at 4.30
Note:
1. No registration required. Please feel free to walk in.
2. In case of heavy rains and rescheduling:
- we will post on instagram - Follow us for updates at @asiaticsocietymumbai
- Visit our website www.asiaticsociety.org.in
- Contact Mr. Ronald Deniz at 9833969496 between 11:00 am & 2:30 pm
to confirm the event updates and cancellations, if any
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai .
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
Visit to the Weaver's Service Centre
Thursday, 26th June 2025 from 11.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Join the Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai for an immersive visit to Mumbai’s Weaver's Service Centre — an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. View rare vintage textile samples, explore their rich history, and participate in hands-on sessions in tie & dye and block printing.
Date: Thursday, 26th June 2025
Time: 11 AM - 4 PM
Schedule:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Interactive Session
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Break
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Workshop
Venue: Weaver's Service Centre, 15-A, Mama Parmanand Marg, Opp. Charni Road Station, Mumbai 400 004
₹1,200/- (₹1,000/- for Members)
Fee includes all workshop materials.
Registration Links:
General: https://rzp.io/rzp/wscGENERAL
Members: https://rzp.io/rzp/wscMEMBERS
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Kindly join the event WhatsApp group after completing your registration.
The joining link will be included in the Razorpay Payment Receipt sent to your registered email address.
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande , Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
