THE POWER OF TWO

HELLO! GOES BEHIND THE SCENES OF ART GALLERY AND AUCTION HOUSE PUNDOLE'S, IN A FREEWHEELING CHAT WITH THE DUO BEHIND ITS SUCCESS: KHORSHED AND DADIBA PUNDOLE

- JEENA J BILLIMORIA

It’s early on a Tuesday morning when we reach Pundole’s. After weeks of back and forth trying to schedule a time to shoot with its owners, Khorshed and Dadiba Pundole, we finally find ourselves at the expansive, famed art gallery and auction house nestled in South Mumbai’s historic Ballard Estate.

Waiting for Dadiba to arrive, Khorshed is seated in the informal lounge that’s been turned into a makeshift room for hair and makeup, where she’s now learning what setting powder is and being introduced to the world of Charlotte Tilbury — a different kind of artist than she’s normally used to.

“This is probably the first and only time you’ll see me with makeup on,” she remarks, bemused. “Our clients come to see the art on the walls, not me!”

It’s clear she’s not comfortable getting dolled up for the shoot, but she obliges rather graciously. Her husband Dadiba walks in shortly after.

“I don’t like it,” he remarks dryly, when we ask what he thinks of his wife’s glamourous transformation.

That’s Dadiba Pundole for you — a man celebrated for his sharp wit, straightforwardness and no-frills personality, which has always flowed seamlessly into how he conducts his business. This, in turn, garnered him his sterling reputation as one of the country’s premier and most well-respected art dealers.