“Indian women as subjects of photographic representation have never been seen as anything other than exotic models of attractiveness... its current avatar being the one dimensional Bollywood stereotype. And that, ironically in an age where women’s accomplishments in practically every arena have far surpassed their male counterparts. These are portraits of urban Indian women, selected for their interestingness rather than their physical charms, drawn from a variety of disciplines, sometimes conforming to gender stereotypes and sometimes defying them.”

Eminent photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta broke new ground with his nudes and portraits of urban Indian women through his book ‘Women’ (Viking Books) in 1996, reinstating sexuality to its rightful place post the prudish sensibilities that prevailed during the British colonial rule. With the series ‘Urban Women’, he discards of stereotypes altogether with his evocative series of portraits that are hauntingly personal. Granting us striking insight into the individuality and personalities of these highly intriguing women, his black and white portraits capture urban women in their spaces - ranging from effervescent to composed, and introspective to candid. His passing in August of 2012 marked a veritable loss for the world of photography, leaving as legacy a powerful body of work to remember him by.