The Bombay Talkies Ltd.

THE BOMBAY TALKIES LTD/ The Dietze Family Archive

No serious study of the history of cinema would have any credibility without reference to Bombay Talkies.

Such is the fame and importance of Bombay Talkies that much of the written histories and references to it have taken on an almost mythical tenor. In particular, the final years of the studio, following the death of its founder, Himansu Rai, are somewhat shrouded in mystery and controversy and much of the writing about it has been speculative, second hand and anecdotal. Therefore this astonishing archive is critical to the history of Indian cinema. That it appears to have been sustained largely in tact and has been long removed from the inclement Indian climate is extraordinary. To have such a large archive of visual and written material in pristine condition is unparalleled for any other pioneering film studio in India. The study and presentation of this archive could potentially re-write the history of Indian cinema.

Laurie Benson
Curator, International Art
National Gallery of Victoria, Australia

Co-ordinating Curator, Cinema India, The Art of Bollywood