Our muse, our museums

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya celebrated 100 years earlier this year. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

"All well, Pheroze? You've been busier than usual of late; hope you aren't overworking yourself in your retirement years," Lady Flora checked with her friend Sir PM.

"Not at all, my lady. In fact, it's some extra work that I am quite happy to take on," he teased, piquing the curiosity of Lady Flora, who wondered what could possibly be the reason for Sir PM's cheery demeanour, and more importantly, how she wasn't in the loop about this development. Until now, that is. Unable to wait any longer, she asked, "So, tell me Pheroze, what's the big project that's caused a spring in your stride?"

"Well, you see, it's about our two museums - the Prince of Wales Museum, renamed after the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Dr Bhau Daji Lad City Museum. The former completed 100 years earlier this year, and now, the latter will celebrate its 150th year. I am delighted to reveal that I have been approached to be chief advisor on both boards," Sir PM informed, quickly slipping in, "Err… and if I might add, I learnt from reliable resources that my name was suggested and accepted without any opposition from any board members." Sir PM was looking positively chuffed. His face was gleaming with pride such that he didn't realise when the nankhatai he had dunked into his chai had disappeared into the milky liquid.

"How very honourable!" applauded Lady Flora. "So proud of you, dear Pheroze. Okay, so now tell me what this elevation means and does this mean that you're back in the good books of your former bosses who I am sure had put in a word to ensure this double posting?" she nudged in, in jest.

Sir PM was waiting for this moment, "Well for starters, I was never in their bad books. I guess they took their time to realise my true worth in today's day and age of false specialists. All that my former bosses did was drop my name. The rest I am told was a cakewalk. And, coming to the second part of your query, I am supposed to sign off on all activities for their yearlong itineraries; apart from that, I am also expected to offer non-partisan feedback on many key areas that needs close, timely reviews; for example, if the duration of a certain exhibition should be extended or not. Plus, and this is what I am really excited about, is that they are tapping into my legal expertise. One of the two museums - and I am not going to reveal which of them - is planning an exhibition that has something to do with the judiciary in India," he winked. No wonder he was beaming from ear to ear, Lady Flora reasoned.

"But this could mean a lot of work? And how do you plan to juggle these two massive projects? You must keep in mind, and forgive me if I add here, your lack of being ‘in the know' after all these centuries? I mean you were the top boss back in the day, but things have changed; this city has changed, and so have its citizens and their priorities," Lady Flora never minced words. Sir PM's face lost a bit of colour. "Why can't she let me enjoy my moment," he whispered under his breath. "You said something, Pheroze?" she swore she heard him mutter a few words despite his three-ply face mask.

"Coming to your query, Lady Flora, I am very aware that it is a lot of work but I have been burning the midnight oil for a while now, preparing rough drafts and preliminary reports. It is all very exciting, and so refreshingly different from my otherwise mundane, predictable routine. I…" he was interrupted by Lady Flora, "Pheroze, do you mean to say that our midnight walks are ‘Routine'!! This is upsetting."

"Not at all," he dived in. "The walks have been my respite. And, now this…in fact, I was hoping for you to run your eagle eye over my drafts," he offered, hoping that the request would calm her down. "That would be my absolute pleasure. How magnanimous of you to ask," replied a jubilant Lady Flora. "The city's two major museums and their historic legacies are iconic; we as citizens owe it to do our best.

People across age groups are yet to step into these hallowed treasure houses, and we must do our bit to bring in more numbers, especially among young people. They must feel encouraged to step in and that it isn't some dusty, large space meant only for scholars and academicians," she rattled off. Sir PM listened patiently. Clearly, Lady Flora was gung-ho, considering the number of times she used the word "we" during that midnight conversation in the back lanes of Rampart Row.

"I look forward to exchanging notes with you when we meet next Sunday. Oh, and yes, will I be seeing you at the grand book release at the BDL museum? It will also be good to catch up with Edward. You will be there, right?" Sir PM asked, hoping she wasn't ditching him. "Of course, I will be there! My gown is back from the cleaners, and will not miss it for the world," she smiled.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana
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