Amrita Sher-Gil’s Hungary connection

Last week, Consul-General of Hungary, Dr Norbert Révai-Bere invited a select group of fellow diplomats and travel agents to his residence in Mumbai’s tony area, Malabar Hills. As guests enjoyed the Hungarian wines and an unimpeded view of Mumbai’s skyline from his duplex, Révai-Bere launched Hungary’s dedicated travel website for India. He also mentioned that starting December 1, unlike previously where one had to trek to Delhi for a visa, Indians could now apply in Mumbai as well.

Interestingly, the walls of Révai-Bere’s home are adorned with prints of painter Amrita Sher-Gil. For the uninitiated, Sher-Gil’s mother was Hungarian and father, Indian. She also spent a significant part of her formative years in Hungary. These prints may soon find a new home though. They’ll be moved to the Hungarian Consulate in Mumbai, where plans are afoot to name a room after the Indian-Hungarian painter. A befitting tribute, indeed.