From the first Indian-run photographic studios in the 19th Century to contemporary documentary-style images from the streets, Whitechapel’s new exhibition, Where Three Dreams Cross, documents 150 years of photography from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Featuring 400 works by 82 artists, the landmark show is presented in five themes: The Portrait shows the evolution of self-representation; The Family explores close bonds and relationships; The Body Politic charts political moments, movements and campaigns; The Performance focuses on the golden age of Bollywood, circus performers and artistic practices that engage with masquerade; while The Street looks at the built environment, social documentary and street photography.

Among the photographs on display, are seminal works drawn from important historical collections, including the influential Alkazi Collection, Delhi and the Drik Archive, Dhaka.

The exhibition is at the Whitechapel Gallery, Whitechapel High Street, opens today and runs until Monday, April 11. Details: 020 7522 7888, www.whitechapel.org (£8.50/£6.50 concs)