A serious mind behind an exuberant persona

BIM BISSELL, who died last Thursday, was an institution in Delhi. It seemed as if the whole town knew this warm and exuberant person who, despite poor health towards the end, was all over the place.

- BHAICHAND PATEL

She would not miss a book event of a friend, a dance performance or a painting exhibition of a struggling artist. She held musical soirees at her elegant home where she also laid the best table in town. At Christmas there would be turkey as well as desi street food.

Behind the exuberance and joy for life, however, there lurked a serious mind. She was a philanthropist who preferred to do charity work quietly, without fuss and publicity. She was a connoisseur of art and an expert on crafts and handlooms. She took pride in dressing elegantly. She loved matching everything, from her accessories to her chappals.