Founded by Arun Vadehra in 1987, Vadehra Art Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in the country. Present-day directors Roshini Vadehra and Parul Vadehra are also sisters-in-law, and together they represent some of the biggest names in the art world. The partners in business talk to Travel + Leisure India & South Asia about leading the family legacy, dividing responsibilities, and the places that work takes them. By Adila Matra
T+L India: Roshini, how and when did you decide to be a part of the family business? Were you always interested in art?
Roshini: Even though I grew up surrounded by art and artists, I didn’t think of it as my long-term career choice. However, when I finished college and came back home, my father asked me to try it out (while I was waiting for a job at a bank), and I pretty much fell in love with the art world as soon as I started. It’s now been nearly 18 years, and I have never looked back.
T+L India: Parul, you came into the Vadehra family around 16 years ago, when you married Arun Vadehra’s son Aseem. How did you end up being a director at Vadehra Art Gallery?
Parul: It was 2007 when I joined the gallery. I had no background in art history at that point. I had always enjoyed looking at art and made it a point to visit all the important museums in a city while travelling, but my knowledge was basic at the time. My induction into art happened over family dinners and conversations with artists. I was initially apprehensive to join the gallery, and it was my father-in-law and Roshini who pushed me. I was immediately hooked. The first exhibition I worked on was Atul Dodiya’s Saptapadi, and I was fascinated with the artist and his work.
T+L India: I’ve heard wonderful stories about the Vadehra Art Gallery being an adda for artists like MF Husain and Ram Kumar. What are your earliest memories of the gallery?
Roshini: I grew up surrounded by Indian art masters like MF Husain, Ram Kumar, and SH Raza. They were part of the extended family, both at the gallery and at home. From visiting Raza’s studio in Paris to watching and discussing films with Husain, my childhood memories are filled with inspiring moments. Husain, especially, became part of the family; he travelled with us on summer vacations, painted at the gallery and our home, and discussed art and poetry with us over meals at his favourite Chinese restaurants.
T+L India: How do you settle differences and divide responsibilities?
Roshini: Parul and I complement each other perfectly at work. We are almost always on the same page when it comes to strategic decisions at the gallery. If ever there is a difference in opinion, we resolve it quickly and go with whoever feels a bit more strongly on the topic at hand. Although we are both happy to take on any responsibility at the gallery, Parul is definitely stronger at production and installation of exhibitions, as her attention to detail makes her far more meticulous.
Parul: Roshini’s biggest strength is her people skills. She’s great at making connections and relationships, and I feel that the gallery benefits greatly from that.
T+L India: How involved is your father/father-in-law, Arun, in your roles?
Roshini: Our father has always been incredibly generous with the freedom he allows us. He always encourages us to make decisions, even if some turn out to be mistakes. He has been the greatest mentor for both of us.
Parul: I agree with Roshini completely. Another very important lesson that we have learned from him is that family comes first. Nothing is greater than peace in the family.
T+L India: Do you often travel together or with your family? Any memories that you would like to share?
Roshini: We travel together frequently—for work, with family, and with friends. We have had some incredible times together at art fairs (from Hong Kong to Basel), artists’ studio visits (from Mumbai to Ahmedabad), on girls’ trips (from Paris to St Moritz), and family holidays (from Black Forest in Germany to Masai Mara in Kenya).
T+L India: Your favourite destinations for family travel?
Roshini: We both love adventure holidays. African safaris top the list. We also love to trek—Manali is one of our favourites. The ski resort village of Megève [in France] is another destination that we love.
T+L India: What are your favourite art destinations?
Be it art fairs in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Basel, or biennales in Kochi and Venice, art allows us to explore new regions and connect with people around the globe.
Related: ‘Don’t Want To Lock Up Ravi Varma’s Art’: Great-Great-Granddaughter On Artist’s NFT Drop
Most popular
Most popular
