Looking for harmony, the Reliance way

"Furnishing and tapestry is a lot like art," she says. And taking that connection, Tina hopes to extend her expertise in the world of saris. The next project: new designs for this traditional Indian drape.

But that does not mean she will host a similar Harmony show for fashion designers. "I am not so concerned about clothes," she says. Which is difficult to believe.At the unveiling of her art exhibition, Tina was perfectly turned-out in a shaded pink chiffon sari, colour co-ordinated with a pink leather-strapped watch and a pink handbag.

She believes that art and the Reliance name go together in harmony. And Tina is going to push the Ambanis to do more for the promotion of art. It takes her eight months to organise this exhibition with a team of four. A large chunk of her time is taken up with choosing the artists, and she likes to give newcomers a chance. "It is important for them to get a break," she says. As a former filmstar she should know — without Dev Anand there would have been no Des Pardes. So, she plays guide and mentor to her chosen few and encourages them to be present at the show. Says Samir Mondal, an artist who has displayed his work at all three Harmony shows, "She is always very encouraging and even the first time she met me, she took a real interest in my work."

Tina is reserved about her personal preferences but admits that she is a bit of anart-buff. Her own home is full of art but she is too diplomatic to say who her personal favourite artist is. "Each artist has his or her own style," says she. Just like Tina. This Ambani bahu is clear about the direction her work will take and how she will get there. "I am not looking at an art gallery. I would like to do something more meaningful. I am not interested in anything mediocre," she says.