“I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage,” says LORD NAVNIT DHOLAKIA through the Indian home he has recreated in London.
The British establishment, Lord Dholakia has incorporated all the trappings of a typical Gujarati dwelling in his home. In fact, there is practically nothing English — save for the traditional red telephone box in his backyard (which was given to him on request, as the new government is now doing away with them) and a wine-rack that hobnobs with traditional Gujarati brass plates and dishes.
“In Gujarat you don’t get these brass items anymore,” points out Ann. “Everybody is now using steel,” she adds. Pointing to the cradle, also picked up from Gujarat, she discloses, “Both my children have slept in it.” Against the wall is an eye-catching line-up of gods carved in wood. Picked up by the Dholakias in one of Old Delhi’s back lanes, they were joined together and then painted black. The work of art that emerged fits in well with the ambience of the apartment.
Immersed as he is in his social and charitable work, Lord Dholakia sometimes uses his talent for entertaining as a platform to raise money for other charities. “Recently we invited 80 people for a meal and raised £3,000 for a needy school in East Africa,” discloses Ann. The main hall is generally used for parties.
A D.I.Y. (do it yourself) specialist with a penchant for photography and classical music, Lord Dholakia is also a fabulous cook. A refreshingly different couple, the Dholakias impress you with their special blend of simplicity and subtle sagacity — a quality that is reflected in their refreshingly different home.
Text: Kevin Rego
Photographs: Angus Thompson