Room 314, Patrick French Black Box
School of Arts and Sciences
Central Campus
Kekee Manzil: House of Art traces the journey of Kekoo Gandhy, a key figure in India’s contemporary art movement, from his early days in Bombay to his role in the birth of a vibrant art scene post-independence. In 1941, Kekoo’s chance encounter with an artist led to the creation of Chemould Frames, which became Asia’s largest picture frame enterprise. His collaboration with the Progressive Artists' Group, including MF Husain, Raza, and Souza, led to the founding of the Chemould Gallery, a cornerstone of Indian modern art.
Through interviews with artists like MF Husain, Raza, and contemporary voices like Nalini Malani and Anish Kapoor, the film explores the Gandhys' legacy and their impact on art in a politically charged India. Family memories, archival footage, and a deeply personal narrative from Kekoo’s daughter, Behroze Gandhy, bring this fascinating story to life, celebrating both the art world and the people of Bombay/Mumbai.
Behroze Gandhy is an independent producer and co-founder of Hindi Picture, which distributed Hindi films for Channel Four Television. She has produced numerous multicultural programmes, including a 1996 documentary on Indian actor Sanjay Dutt. Her drama credits include Flight for BBC and Surviving Sabu for the Arts Council of England.
From 2002, Behroze began recording her parents, Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy, key figures in India’s contemporary art movement. After their passing, she realized this footage, alongside interviews with artists like Raza and Tyeb Mehta, formed the foundation for a unique documentary on Indian art from a personal perspective.
