Bidding on behalf of a friend for a Husain painting at a Christie’s auction in Bombay was a nerve wracking experience in more ways than anticipated
Minoo Mody
"There is a Christie’s auction in Bombay next week, are you going?” Russi Mody, a friend and colleague, was telephoning from Jamshedpur. "Yes,” I replied, "I am.” "Have you been to an auction before?” "Yes, but my only experience of an auction is that I once bid at Sotheby’s in London.” "What did you bid for?” Russi asked. "I was interested in a Stradivarius and I have never ceased to regret that I missed it. I went up to my limit of £ 20,000 but it went for £ 24,000. It would be worth at least £ 250,000 now. But......