Scapes

A tasteful amalgam of opulence and relaxed panache, Swati and Digvijay Sinh Kathiwada’s Mumbai home is an art lover’s haven. Simone Louis engages in a tête-à-tête with the charismatic royal couple

- Simone Louis

The atmosphere is buzzing with an indescribable energy as a dapper man darts around Kathiwada House. He is on his phone, excitedly discussing a cricket match currently in session at Wankhede Stadium. I’m privileged today, considering that the aristocrat gave up a‹ ending the event to welcome me into his home along with his ever-gracious wife. I’m expecting a very formal interaction with the stately duo, but as Swati Kathiwada walks out in a refreshing ensemble of perfectly faded jeans and a summery blue top and chuckles, “Digs, come on, we can check in on that later,” I instantly loosen up. Digvijay Sinh Kathiwada immediately focusses his a‹ ention on us, cracking jokes and beaming at his wife, as we quickly photograph the two in their element. When his ex-stylist spouse suggests he change his colourful socks, he exclaims, “But that’s my thing!” before bringing out a host of even quirkier pairs. One can’t help but be enamoured by their chemistry. Nestled within bounteous greenery in a quiet corner of Worli, the home strikes a balance between formal and casual, with a collection of traditional and modern furniture lending the free-fl owing space a comfy vibe. What makes an impression, though, are the walls — almost none of them are without some form of artwork. “Although i’ve developed my own taste over the years, i’ve been heavily influenced by my mother,” Digvijay tells me. The graduate of urban planning and civil engineering from USC, Los Angeles, joined Osian’s Connoisseurs of Art and spent eight years in the art market. Alongside, he developed plans for his hometown in Kathiwada, madhya Pradesh, and was involved in the restoration of Kathiwada Raaj mahal with his mother Sangita Sinh Kathiwada. “She made art happen in our lives, and a lot of wh