Harsh Goenka 'disappointed' with removal of Sachin Tendulkar's sculpture from Marine Drive

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then Harsh Goenka and the residents of Marine Drive didn’t see eye to eye in this case.

Goenka, chairman, RPG Group, says that he is “disappointed” that the RPG Art Foundation was forced to remove an art installation of Sachin Tendulkar from Marine Drive following a notice sent by the BMC.

The civic body wanted the artwork removed after citizen and welfare groups raised an objection to its installation. Goenka says that the BMC has been very supportive of the the RPG Art Foundation’s efforts to beautify various parts of Mumbai.



As for the citizens’ objections, he says, “Sometimes, it tends to be a frustrating exercise especially when we are focused on improving the beauty of a place through art. The sculpture of an inspiring personality like Sachin Tendulkar should have been welcomed. It was not blocking the place in any way. The sculpture is aesthetically done. It enhanced the beauty of the promenade at Marine Drive.”

Officials close to the development say that more than the BMC, a few citizens made objections. “We have taken the responsibility of improving the look of the city through sculptures. Along with Swachh Bharat, we have been focused on a Sundar Bharat drive,” says Goenka.



RPG Art Foundation has different installations across Mumbai including the ‘Dabbavala’, ‘Tetrapod’ and ‘Rhino’ installations.