India, Nov. 5 -- In the continued spirit of celebrating women, following India's phenomenal cricket World Cup win, it's befitting to start this story with an extraordinary woman from Mumbai. Perin J Mistri (1913-1989) was India's first female architect, perhaps even Asia's, and a crucial player in the city's Art Deco movement, which has earned it a place on the Unesco World Heritage Site list.

Mistri designed the Shengre La building, a ground-plus-one Art Deco residence at Carmichael Road, St Stephen's Church at Nepean Sea Road, the Khatau mills in Borivali, several health centres for the Salvation Army church in Byculla, and an extension to the Bombay Scottish School in Mahim. She also renovated the St Elizabeth's Hospital at Malabar Hi...