MUMBAI — In a striking convergence of artistic vision and state-of-the-art imaging technology, global imaging leader Epson has teamed up with renowned photographer and film producer Atul Kasbekar. Serving as the official print partner, Epson is bringing to life HONEST: Portraits of Character, a landmark photography exhibition currently captivating art and cinema enthusiasts at the prestigious Jio World Plaza in Mumbai’s bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

Running for a month-long engagement from June 5 to July 5, the exhibition serves as a powerful multi-disciplinary homage, brilliantly blending photography, cinema, and profound storytelling. At its core lies a curated collection of 56 large-format, monochromatic portraits that cast a luminous spotlight on some of Indian cinema’s most formidable character actors—performers whose nuance, grit, and dedication have long formed the bedrock of memorable storytelling on the silver screen.

Spanning Levels 1 and 2 of the upscale Jio World Plaza, the showcase steps away from the glitz, glamour, and gloss typically associated with celebrity culture. Instead, it invites viewers into an intimate, unfiltered dialogue with the human faces behind decades of cinematic magic, all made possible by an uncompromising synthesis of artistic intent and advanced printing technology.

Main Facts: The Exhibition at a Glance

• Exhibition HONEST: Portraits of Character
• Photographer & Producer: Atul Kasbekar
• Official Print Partner: Epson
• Venue: Jio World Plaza, Levels 1 and 2, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai
• Dates: June 5 – July 5
• Scale & Medium: 56 large-format, black-and-white portraits
• Subject Matter: Accomplished Indian character actors stripped of digital retouching and visual embellishment
• Featured Talent: Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Pankaj Tripathi, Boman Irani, Arshad Warsi, Kay Kay Menon, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rasika Dugal, and more.
• Technology Utilized: Epson SureColor large-format printers, UltraChrome PRO12 archival-grade pigment inks, and professional Epson media.
• Admission: Open to the public free of charge

Chronology of the Project: From Concept to Gallery Walls

The journey of HONEST: Portraits of Character represents a meticulous, deeply intentional creative process that spans months of planning, shooting, and technical execution.

Phase 1: Conceptualization and Casting

Long before stepping into the studio, Atul Kasbekar envisioned a project that would pivot away from traditional celebrity portraiture. Indian cinema has historically relied on its character actors to add emotional gravity, comic relief, psychological depth, and realism to narratives. Yet, these artists rarely occupy the center of marketing campaigns or magazine covers. Kasbekar set out to correct this imbalance, curating a roster of 56 actors renowned for their craft rather than box-office formulas.

Phase 2: The Shoot – Stripping Away the Noise

The photography sessions were governed by a strict ethos: radical authenticity. In an era dominated by heavy digital retouching, smoothing filters, and elaborate set designs, Kasbekar intentionally stripped the process down to its bare essentials. Using stark lighting and deep, uncompromising black-and-white palettes, the shoots focused entirely on capturing the unmasked expressions, lines of experience, and raw personality of the actors.

Phase 3: Technological Translation and Fine Art Printing

Capturing the raw emotion on camera was only half the battle; translating those subtle textures into physical gallery pieces required a technological partner capable of absolute precision. Epson was brought on board to solve this complex imaging puzzle. Utilizing advanced Epson SureColor large-format printers paired with UltraChrome PRO12 archival-grade pigment inks, the production team embarked on translating high-resolution digital files into physical masterpieces. Every shadow, pore, and tonal gradation was meticulously managed to ensure the final prints honored Kasbekar’s original artistic vision.

Phase 4: Public Unveiling at Jio World Plaza

Opened on June 5 at the high-end Jio World Plaza, the exhibition transformed pristine commercial architecture into an immersive cultural gallery. By placing large-format prints across multiple levels, the installation ensures that visitors navigating the luxury shopping destination are unexpectedly pulled into a quiet, deeply emotional cinematic experience. The exhibition is scheduled to run through July 5, welcoming the public free of charge.

Supporting Data and Technical Architecture: The Science Behind the Art

The breathtaking visual impact of HONEST is not merely a product of compelling subjects and sharp lens work; it is heavily underpinned by sophisticated print engineering. In fine-art photography, the printer and ink system act as the ultimate bridge between the artist’s mind and the viewer’s eye.

The Epson Advantage

To achieve the striking tonal depth required for monochrome portraits, Epson deployed its industry-leading professional printing infrastructure.

• Epson SureColor Large-Format Printers: Known for their exceptional precision, these printers offer superior droplet control and dot placement accuracy. This ensures that fine textures—such as the weave of a fabric, the subtle stubble of a beard, or the fine lines around a subject’s eyes—are rendered with startling clarity without looking digital or over-sharpened.
• UltraChrome PRO12 Pigment Inks: Black-and-white photography is notoriously difficult to reproduce accurately due to the wide spectrum of gray tones required. The UltraChrome PRO12 ink set features an expanded gamut that includes multiple levels of black (Black, Matte Black, Light Black, and Light Light Black). This allows the printers to produce profound, velvety blacks alongside brilliant, clean highlights, eliminating color casts and ensuring true neutral monochromatic output.
• Archival Durability: Because galleries require works to withstand the test of time, the combination of Epson’s pigment inks and professional fine art media guarantees exceptional archival longevity. The portraits are resistant to fading, ensuring that the emotional resonance of the exhibition remains pristine for decades.

Official Responses and Perspectives

The synergy between the creator and the technology provider has been a central narrative of the exhibition’s critical reception. Both Atul Kasbekar and Epson India leadership have spoken extensively about the philosophical and technical alignment driving the project.

Atul Kasbekar on Purity and Print Integrity

For Kasbekar, a veteran photographer who has spent decades behind the lens, the physical output of a photograph is sacred. He stresses that in a digital age where images are routinely scrolled past on glowing phone screens, the physical print restores a sense of gravity to photography.

“HONEST is about authenticity in its purest form. These actors bring an extraordinary honesty to the camera, and it was critical that every detail translated faithfully into print. The prints are the exhibition,” Kasbekar noted during the launch. “Epson photo printers’ ability to reproduce subtle tonal gradations, especially in black and white, made them the ideal partner for this project. They understood that we weren’t just printing pictures; we were preserving human stories.”

Tushad Talati on the Philosophy of the Final Print

Echoing this sentiment, Tushad Talati, Director of Brand and Communication at Epson India, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to the fine art community. For Epson, hardware development is deeply intertwined with cultural preservation.

“Photography does not end when a picture is made. The final print is where the photographer’s vision truly comes to life and is shared with the world,” said Talati. “At Epson, we have spent decades advancing the art and science of photographic printing, helping photographers transform images into enduring works of expression. Through this collaboration, we are enabling audiences to experience Atul Kasbekar’s work with the depth, detail, and authenticity he intended.”

Implications: Bridging Fine Art, Technology, and Cultural Spaces

The success and execution of HONEST: Portraits of Character carry several broad implications for the worlds of Indian contemporary art, commercial spaces, and imaging technology.

1. Elevating the Status of Character Actors

For too long, mainstream Indian film culture has prioritized lead romantic actors over the character artists who sustain the narrative fabric of movies. By dedicating a high-profile, luxury-venue exhibition exclusively to performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Pankaj Tripathi, and Rasika Dugal, the exhibition acts as a cultural correction. It forces a mainstream audience to confront and celebrate the faces that represent the true sociological and psychological depth of Indian cinema.

2. The Resurgence of Physical Print in a Digital Age

In an era dominated by ephemeral digital media—where billions of photos are snapped, viewed for a fraction of a second on smartphones, and forgotten—HONEST champions the enduring power of the physical print. By utilizing large-format archival printing, the exhibition proves that physical art creates a deeper, slower, and more contemplative engagement. Visitors do not just "look" at these portraits; they stand before them, absorbing the life experience etched onto the subjects’ faces.

3. Redefining Commercial Spaces as Cultural Hubs

The choice of Jio World Plaza—typically known as a bastion of luxury retail—as the venue for a gritty, unretouched black-and-white photography exhibition speaks volumes about changing urban trends. High-end retail destinations are increasingly seeking to integrate high art and cultural experiences into their footprints. By offering free public access to a world-class photography showcase, Jio World Plaza bridges the gap between exclusive luxury and accessible public culture, transforming a commercial hub into an active gallery space.

4. The Expanding Horizon of Imaging Technology

Finally, the partnership highlights how far printing technology has evolved. No longer viewed merely as an office utility or a basic commercial service, high-end inkjet printing is now recognized as an indispensable fine-art medium. As companies like Epson continue to refine archival inks and color fidelity, artists are empowered to push the boundaries of scale, texture, and emotional depth in their physical exhibitions.

Conclusion

As HONEST: Portraits of Character continues its month-long run at Jio World Plaza through July 5, it stands as a triumph of modern portraiture. By uniting Atul Kasbekar’s uncompromising artistic vision with Epson’s cutting-edge print technology, the exhibition achieves something rare: it freezes fleeting moments of human vulnerability and gives them permanent, physical weight. For Mumbai’s art lovers, film buffs, and curious visitors alike, the exhibition is an unmissable reminder of the profound artistry that exists both in front of the lens and within the sophisticated machinery that brings imagery to life.