Lucknow: The much-anticipated “Dastavez 3” exhibition was inaugurated today at Phoenix Palassio mall in Lucknow by acclaimed actress Bhagyashree, opening a rare and immersive showcase of newspapers and periodicals spanning nearly two centuries of global and Indian history.
Curated by senior IRS officer Suboor Usmani, currently serving as Director (Intelligence and Criminal Investigation), Uttar Pradesh, the exhibition brings together an exceptional archive of print heritage dating from the 1820s to the modern era. The collection highlights defining historical milestones, cultural shifts, scientific breakthroughs, and iconic personalities captured through original print editions.On the first day of the event, actor-director Tigmanshu Dhulia and actor-writer Zeishan Quadri visited the exhibition.
Bhagyashree, who inaugurated the exhibition, is widely celebrated for her iconic debut opposite Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), a film that established her as one of the most recognized faces of Indian cinema. Coming from a royal Marathi family, she is known not only for her graceful screen presence but also for her disciplined lifestyle, selective film choices, and strong focus on wellness and family values. Over the years, she has continued to engage audiences through selective film, television, and digital appearances, earning appreciation for her dignified public persona and timeless appeal.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Sarin, Retail Director (North), Phoenix Mills, said “Dastavez 3 is not just an exhibition, it is a cultural experience that connects generations through the power of print. At Phoenix Palassio, we are proud to host a showcase that preserves memory, history, and identity in such a compelling form. We are especially honored by the presence of Bhagyashree ji, whose elegance and cultural connect perfectly reflect the spirit of this exhibition.”
Among the key exhibits is a rare 1826 newspaper, an 1879 weekly stock report publication, and landmark commemorative editions such as The Illustrated Weekly of India featuring the coronation of King George VI (1937), along with Independence and Millennium issues of the Calcutta Gazette.
The exhibition also showcases landmark science and space coverage, including Moon Landing reports from Span, tributes to Albert Einstein, and features on Indian astronauts Rakesh Sharma and Subhanshu Shukla. Literary highlights include a rare 1948 issue of Hans, edited by Amrit Rai, son of Munshi Premchand.
The exhibition also features cultural and cinematic milestones, including archival coverage of Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Parveen Babi, along with India’s 1983 World Cup victory and nuclear milestones of 1974 and 1998. Local heritage is represented through vintage issues of Momentum, a Lucknow-based publication.
“Dastavez 3” will remain open to the public at Phoenix Palassio from April 12 to 19, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience history through original print artifacts.
