A requiem in stone | Photographer Manobina Roy's legacy lives on at Bandra's Bandstand Promenade

Seated on the lively Bandstand Promenade in Bandra, a requiem pays tribute to Manobina Roy, one of India's pioneering female photographers. Unveiled in 2017 and crafted by Tanmay Banerjee, this evocative memorial was a gift from her son, Joy Bimal Roy, to the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust.

Manobina Roy, who captured the essence of mid-20th-century India with her unique blend of artistry and authenticity, is celebrated through this artistic homage.

Born in 1919, Manobina Roy's passion for photography was ignited at the age of 12 when her progressive father, Benode Behari Sen Roy, a photographer himself, gifted her a Brownie camera. This thoughtful gift set her on a lifelong journey of capturing the world.

Alongside her twin sister Debalina, Manobina chronicled everything from family scenes to landscapes, and even notable figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru. Her work, distinguished by its naturalism and mastery of light, highlights her exceptional talent and dedication.

Manobina's journey as a photographer was closely linked to her role as the wife of celebrated filmmaker Bimal Roy. While Bimal’s cinematic achievements in the "golden fifties" of Indian cinema are well-known, Manobina’s photographic contributions, though less recognised, were equally impactful. Her innovative approach to light and detail preserved invaluable moments, casting a quiet but significant legacy that complemented her husband’s renowned cinematic career.

The requiem at Bandstand, a heartfelt project by her son Joy Bimal Roy, stands as a moving tribute to Manobina Roy’s artistic legacy. Now a popular selfie spot, it brings her pioneering work into the spotlight for a new generation of photographers. Joy’s initiative reflects his deep affection and commitment to ensuring that his mother's groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire.

Recently, Manobina’s photographs have garnered renewed attention in the art world, with exhibitions highlighting her unique view of mid-20th-century India. Her work provides a rare and insightful perspective on the life of an educated, middle-class woman navigating the complexities of her time through her camera lens.