The Former MD Of Sotheby’s, Mr Gaurav Bhatia As A Catalyst To The Changing Indian Luxury Market

Gaurav Bhatia Sotheby’s Ex MD, and the founder of Maison, India takes us through his journey to becoming- a great demonstration of how passion brings purpose, prowess and progress in endeavour

“One cannot separate India from art” India has classically been a country with involvement in affairs of art and artistry through generations. From the majestic Chola creation bronze statures that bid for lakhs in the international market today, to luxury items of Pashmina shawls, Tanjore paintings or fine-art from past ruling lineages all make only some names in one glamour list of all fine-creations that come from different pockets of the country.

What is also startling about Indian art and craft is how it best reflects the diversity of the nation- with portrayal of cultures, practises, regional movements and various religious influences from the multitudes of religion that is practised throughout the landmass.  Our organically existent art ecosystem undeniable makes Indian art, craft and luxury a major attraction round the world. However, continued investment and initiative is what the segment needs the most in India of the contemporary times.

An increasing number of Indian names in the global luxury power-list provide us with recognition of how India is delving into the art and luxury market more than ever before. A domestic art market is on full vigour while individual art collectors have made fame as the shepherds that take our domestic market forward.

One extremely glamorous face in Indian luxury segment is of the Mumbai based luxury expert Gaurav Bhatia, who is also the founder of the esteemed luxury advisory cell- Maison, India. With Maison, Mr Bhatia is on way bringing revolution to the luxury markets in our country, reimagining brand future with not just the classical marketing drivel but with stories that inspire, adding strategy and passion at best for brands to think disruptive, immersive and creative. Maison stands as the solution that all Indian brands could readily find support in, from an array of options like marketing, PR, Digital Strategies, Branding and re-branding solutions, communication, content creation and so much more.

Mr Gaurav Bhatia has in turn been a catalyst to the changing nature of the Indian luxury market. As an expert in the domain, he is a popular name in Luxury and Lifestyle media for sharing bits of his adroitness and taste in the field with contributions to esteemed magazines and media channels like The New York Times, CNN, Mint, The Collector, Forbes, Vogue etc.

Viewers also seem to greatly enjoy his videos on lifestyle and luxury trending all through YouTube, providing his classical mantras to a glamorous living on discourses in the India Sotheby’s Realm.
Having been recognized internationally as a man of get taste and sharp eyes for features and details that brings out the best of his exemplary works, Mr Bhatia has had 20 years of rounded experience in his niche that has sharpened his skills as a luxury expert.
 

In year 2007 Mr Bhatia tied his name to the luxury house of LVMH being appointed for the core role of the Managing Director of Moet Hennessey India. While being on charge in the luxurious wine, champaign and spirits segment of the conglomerate for India, Mr Bhatia had made great initiative to introduce India to the taste of luxury and fine wine. Marking on the nature of changes he had always envisioned for his nation, he says “The Indian Luxury segment has witnessed colossal growth with the rise of a generation of new-luxury enthusiasts or the urban middle-class consumers. However, we aren’t even halfway there to what Indian luxury is truly of potential to rise to.”

In year 2016, Mr Bhatia took up the power role of the Managing Director of Sotheby’s India- taking charge of the Indian division of Sotheby’s and channelizing momentous efforts to extend the popularity of the international brand in the Indian Market. Great achievements underpin his journey through Sotheby’s, leading the company’s first auction in the country with his innovative idea of “Boundless India” that brought out the first of its kind display for phenomenal works of Indian artists along with masterpieces inspired by works of Indian origin. Under Gaurav Bhatia’s watch, Sotheby’s India made exemplary growth and incorporation in the Indian market.

Gaurav Bhatia’s journey to becoming is in itself a great demonstration of how passion brings purpose, prowess and progress in endeavour. Having started out as a flair right in the college days, he recollects skipping on a trip with peers to the Bahamas, to instead use the money to buy himself art. Mr Bhatia’s residency today is in true values aesthetics to the eyes- with a display of magnificent art that he had collected through the years with symbolics of various cultures and artists.

His love for ‘Indian’ is beautifully depicted through the walls of his house adorned with paintings from many different Indian artists. Having began career as an ad man at Young & Rubicam in New York, he stepped foot at the domain of marketing becoming the Associate Partner in the brand. What began there, stands as the inspiration of a brand- Maison that is all set to take Indian luxury to its supreme heights.