Art In India Has Come A Long Way From Being Niche: Kalyani Saha Chawla

Entrepreneur, art patron and founder of Rezon Silverware, Kalyani Saha Chawla took centre stage as co-host of the NDTV Art Awards, sharing personal insights into how India’s art landscape has evolved over the decades. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled a time when art galleries were few and far between, and promoting artists was a niche passion rather than a mainstream pursuit. Tracing her roots to Kolkata and her mother’s deep involvement with Bengal art, she spoke about how her family helped create platforms for young artists long before the current boom in galleries and exhibitions. Chawla recounted her early foray into the art world through Montage Arts, a gallery she ran with her mother in Delhi, helping introduce new talent to collectors and audiences. What began as a passion project soon turned into a meaningful business venture, at a time when India’s contemporary art market was still finding its feet. Her reflections captured the spirit of the evening, highlighting how far Indian art has travelled, from small community-driven initiatives to a vibrant, nationwide ecosystem celebrated today on platforms like the NDTV Masterstroke Art Awards.