India’s rich are no longer indifferent to art
The billionaire life brings with it many perks, but none so much as art—its appreciation and acquisition—which sets one extraordinarily rich scion apart from the other. Wealth can command business jets in the hangar and yachts in the marina, mansions—though none so much as Antilla—and retreats, cars and watches, and the accoutrements of a rich and richly-lived life. But jewellery, to an aesthetic soul, and art to an intellectual one, are major differentiators, conversation points and conversation stoppers; they separate the newbies from the patrons. Once personal collections are in place, the rollout of museums will inevitably begin—as has already happened—to be followed by the establishment of art trusts and foundations.
Parmeshwar Godrej: A home for Husain
Lakshmi Mittal: Rule Britannica
(This story appears in the 02 November, 2012 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)