An M.F. Husain solo of water colours and drawings has opened at Gallery Arts India in Manhattan. The show features works from the 1970s and '80s, whose provenance is the Chester and Davida Herwitz Collection-acknowledged as the finest private collection of post-Independence Indian Art in the world. On display are pieces from Husain's well-known Sufi series as well as works from the China and Cyprus series and much more. While Husain goes fida over pretty actors, others are smitten by his works.

TAKING UP THE CHALLENGE: The inauguration of the GOPIO conference in New York

Quirk of Fate

Call it a macabre coincidence but 5,631 people hit the jackpot-$500 each-in the New York lottery that was drawn on the first anniversary of the World Trade Center bombings by picking the digits 9-1-1 despite a one in a 1,000 probability. "The numbers were picked in the standard random fashion using the same protocols," said Lottery spokeswoman Carolyn Hapeman. Clearly, in an ironic twist, a black day in the history of America was a windfall for some.

Transferred Attribute

The global Indian diaspora had a private gathering in New York that overlapped with the annual festivities of the UN General Assembly. The third Global Indian Entrepreneurs Conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Anerood Jugnauth, who told the audience: "The transnational PIO community is imbued with a strong business acumen and dedication to hard work; from the trader of the Fiji Islands to the whiz kid of Silicon Valley, from the banker in Singapore to the scientist of NASA, PIOs perform very well wherever they are settled and some of them have been successful in politics." Strangely, as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee lamented at an entirely different gathering in New York, a work ethic that eludes the diaspora in its country of origin.

In Trail-blazing Form

Indian art has just vaulted to a new mark at the international level, with a Tyeb Mehta painting, Celebration, going for a record $317,500 at the Christie's auction of contemporary Indian paintings. It had been estimated to sell at $180,000-200,000. The sale also marked a generally upward swing for other paintings too with an M.F. Husain-Mahabali-going for a record sale price of $107,550. Similarly, a Ghaitonde painting went for another high of $65,725. Mallika Sagar, the Christie's representative who conducted the auctions, said that the prices in general have doubled in comparison to the collections last year. They estimate the receipts at $1.4 million as compared to $700 million in the auctions last year. The auction, which saw a marked increase in attendance, is among the several India-related events in art happening in Manhattan. "The record price for Tyeb Mehta will reset the attitudes of international collectors about Indian art. It is a great day for Indian art," said Arani Bose, co-owner of the Bose-Pacia Gallery in Manhattan.

Voice of Concern

London is to be hit by a night of Bollywood extravaganza, thanks to Asha Bhosle, who is going to perform in the city after a break of two years. The show will feature Sudesh Bhosle plus a full company of musicians and dancers from Mumbai at Royal Albert Hall. "No film scene, whether romantic, sorrowful or joyful, is complete without Asha's expressive voice. Her versatility and the breadth of her talent are immeasurable. We are delighted to bring her here," says Viren Jasani of Asian Music Circuit. Apart from the sponsors, organisers and audience of the show, the delight in listening to Asha Bhosle—the singer who can render an "item" song, a bhajan, a romantic number, a tantalising fixture with consummate ease-will extend to the lives of many senior citizens. Reason: the show is for the charity Help the Aged.

INTERVIEW: A.R. RAHMAN
Consistently Upbeat

There could be two reasons why the award-grabbing 1992 national integration movie Roja is going global 10 years after: one, post 9/11, it is universally relevant; two, post Bombay Dreams, A.R. Rahman is universally relevant-Roja, after all, was his first film as composer. At a press conference in Delhi recently, he spoke about 10 years of Rahmania.

Q. Roja's re-release marks a milestone for you too. What has it been like?
A. It seems like yesterday ... There have been ups and downs since, and reviews: some have been flattering, some very harsh.

Q. There's a view you have become less elusive now ...
A. I still can't be pulled out for an interview when I am in my studio. But yes, I have been doing more launches than compositions lately.

Q. Has Bombay Dreams brought you offers from Hollywood?
A. Yes, there are a couple. I want to finish my projects here and find time for them.

Q. Is it true you're moving base to London from your studio in Chennai?
A. I have a well-equipped studio in London where I intend spending 10 days every month.

Q. Do you see yourself as a global brand?
A. That's because India is in fashion in the West. I watched Lagaan in Paris last week and saw a very appreciative audience. The time is just right for us.

-Methil Renuka

Right on Track

Cobra has reached London's Euston. The bottled premium Indian beer is to ease the pressure on commuter and travellers while they enjoy their food at Euston station's new eatery Joshi's Kitchen-the first Indian food offer at a mainline railway station. It would be a welcome break for many from the standard sandwich and burger. Says Karan Bilimoria, founder and ceo of Cobra Beer: "Our business practice has always respected consumer choice. Cobra Beer excels as it specifically complements Indian food. Likewise, Joshi's Kitchen is filling a much needed gap in the market by bringing good Indian food to travellers."

—Bureau reports