Collector Turns Advisor Jai Bhandarkar has been collecting art for over ten years. But two months ago the 40-year-old art enthusiast gave up his family business to start art advisory White Canvas with 32-year-old Pranali Daundker. First brush ‘‘My grandfather Vamanrao S Pandit studied portraiture at the Royal College of Art under John Singer Sargent, so you could say that art runs in the family,’’ says Bhandarkar, who always had an eye for art. Art beat ‘‘It goes without saying that it’s not just an investment but a bit of history that you’re buying,’’ says Bhandarkar who studied art and aesthetics before he became a collector. Collector’s special While he has a passion for ancient art, like Chola bronzes, Bhandarkar is an avid collector and promoter of contemporary art. ‘‘I like art that’s young and full of verve, like Sunil Padwal and Ganga, but I also enjoy intense work like Jyoti Basu’s or Jehangir Jani’s. I have works that I will never sell, but being a promoter, now I have to draw the line a little more carefully,’’ he says. He recalls an incident where he wanted to keep a Jyoti Basu for himself but had to give it up to a client. Latest addition Prakash Wagmare, a Mumbai-based artist and an N S Bendre. Foodie Goes Arty Ranjit Mehta, a 31-year-old senior manager at Rabo India Bank has just started out with collecting. With only three years of experience, he has his father’s legacy to guide him, having grown up on a strict diet of Kolkata art. First brush ‘‘I’ve grown up surrounded by art. My father, who works with a tea firm in Kolkata, is responsible for my exposure,’’ says Mehta. He bought his first painting in Mumbai—a landscape by a relatively-unknown artist called Vyas. Art beat ‘‘Windows aren’t the only thing meant for the walls. We have to adorn our walls with something beautiful and aesthetic.’’ Collector’s special ‘‘When you acquire a painting and you know for a fact that you are never going to sell it, you know you have bought a winner,’’ says Mehta, who collects works by artists like Partho Dutta including a charcoal on paper, also bought in Mumbai. ‘‘The trick is that the artist shouldn’t be completely mature, yet should have his distinct style. Since I can’t afford big names, I normally spend between Rs 20,000 to 30,000,’’ says Mehta whose penchant for Bengali artists stems from the nostalgia and romance in their work. Latest addition Six months ago, he bought a work by upcoming artist Dharma Adhikari from a Delhi gallery. However, his ultimate aim is to own a Paresh Maity and a Paritosh Sen. All in the Family Niranjan Iyengar, the 32-year-old script-writer of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham fame, did not think of collecting art till he saw the works of Vishal Tandon. Captivated, he dug deep into his pockets and decided to go beyond his collection of photographs to include the A word in his vocabulary. First brush ‘‘I have been hanging around galleries for a while, but nothing struck me as much as Vishal’s work. There was something about it that proved to be irresistible. Now I don’t see myself as a big collector, but I do know that this is the beginning of something,’’ he says. Art beat ‘‘It is invigorating, soothing and yes, it complements my moods. I would never look at art as an investment. not right now, at least.’’ Collector’s special ‘‘I have all the respect in the world for someone like Husain, but if his work doesn’t move me I will not buy it—even if I can afford it. My collection has to please me,’’ he says, laconically pointing out that at the end of the day it’s not the name but the work that counts. est addition Vishal Tandon, need we say more!
