4–10 May 2012
B on V ivant
17
{ Srimati Lal }
F
ine Architecture being an aspect of High Art, the effective artistic restoration and preservation of India’s spectacular historic landmarksites requires intensive aesthetic knowledge and specialised artistic skills – as well as a deep and abiding love of art and culture. Monsieur Francis Wacziarg, the affable and talented French-born Indian citizen—a partner of the now-legendary ‘Neemrana Non-Hotel Resorts’, along with Delhiite Aman Nath—has managed to restore 28 of India’s most artistically-stunning Heritageproperties. Wacziarg and Nath have artistically-renovated ancient Indian structures that were in decline and disarray, into beautiful, relaxing Designerresorts with a difference. Wacziarg and Nath’s restoration-adventure began 3 decades ago, with the opening in 1991 of Neemrana Fort Palace on the Delhi-Jaipur Road – 3 hours from Delhi. The recent restoration of The Pataudi Palace near Gurgaon has added a muchneeded getaway-destination for those artistically-inclined. The Palace is a majestic, refreshing and delightful vintage retreat. Impeccably-restored, this classical 1930s-built Nawabi Palace showcases wonderfully landscaped gardens, a vast swimming pool, displays of rare antique photos and personal art of the Pataudi family, a special gift-shop, and classic heritage furniture. A tempting 10-course buffet is laid out daily for day-visitors. Royal suites, gardens and halls are available for special holidaying and parties. In an exclusive interview specially-conducted for FG, I spoke at length with Francis Wacziarg, on his aesthetic restoration of The Pataudi Palace, and his future plans:Srimati Lal: Francis, congratulations on your wonderful work, restoring 28 of India’s heritage sites with such dedicated artistic fervour, in three adventurous decades. Pataudi Palace is now an aesthetic, peaceful holiday-retreat. Tell us how your passion for Indian architecture, art, culture, and its preservation came about. Francis Wacziarg: After completing an MBA in France, I first came to India in 1970. Initially, I was the Commercial Attache at the French Consulate in Bombay (now Mumbai). Subsequently, I headed the representative office of the Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) in New Delhi. On gaining Indian citizenship
Pataudi Palace Restored by choice, after an active 20-year love-affair with India—which is a country I found intensely beautiful—I joined Aman Nath, with whom I had co-authored a book. We founded our ‘Neemrana Hotels Pvt. Ltd.’ about 30 years ago. SL: Are you a trained Architect? What was the inception of your deep love for the Arts and Indian History? FW: I am not a trained architect. However, I have been an art-lover all my life. I am a founding member of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). I am also a trustee on IFA (India Foundation for the Arts), and the Alliance Francaise. I am actively involved in promoting the arts and culture, with an emphasis on building bridges between different people and varying cultures. SL: How is France connected with your restoration and design activities? FW: Yes, France is wellknown for the conservation of its heritage. From a young age, therefore, I was always interested in monuments, art, old houses, and period furniture. SL: When did you decide to renovate Pataudi Palace? How
did the negotiation with the Pataudi family occur? FW: In 2005, the former cricketer Late Mansur Ali Khan, the ninth Nawab of Pataudi, was mulling cost-effective options to maintain his palace, which was built in the 1930s – and is a few kilometres off Delhi. He had been running it like a resort on his own – but with limited success. He informed me – “It is making money, but I am not an hotelier, and I am not comfortable.”. His basic concern was “the aesthetic, cultural and historic maintenance of this beautiful 90-year-old property, over the longer term.” Although a particular section of the property has been kept exclusively for use by the Pataudi family, the rest of the estate is run as an aesthetic ‘Non-hotel Hotel’,
according to Neemrana’s concept. SL: Describe how you supervised Pataudi’s artistic renovation. What was the stylistic pattern you applied to the rooms? How long did it take for the design-work to be completed? FW: At Pataudi, we tried to be as conservative as possible, and respectful of the old charm of this classic Palace. We brought in some essential modern amenities, like airconditioning. We added a large swimming pool, to meet the requirements of our clientele. We have restored the existing furniture, and have changed the furnishings and textiles. We wanted to keep the original, old atmosphere as intact as possible. Thus, the restoration did not take very long – except for the large swimming pool, which took us approximately 8 months. SL: What kind of artworks did you select to decorate Pataudi Palace, and where have they been acquired? FW: The artworks were already there, as well as many interesting and rare vintage photos dating from the early 20th C. – and also antique chandeliers and fittings. We have added a few special paintings and unique textiles.
Neemrana is an awesome, massive Palace of 60 rooms and terraces, a joy to behold. It was built in 1464, by the descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III. The spectacular bird’seye-views from this medieval fortress’ high terraces, built atop a hill, can beat the views from many a skyscraper. SL: Do you have a favourite suite at Pataudi? FW: Sher Mahal, on the first floor, is my favourite suite. The long shaded verandahs overlooking the rose garden, and the swimming pool, are particularly nice. SL: How has the presence of the Pataudi Resort affected its surrounding environment, the economy of its village people? FW: The Pataudi village people are extremely respectful
towards, and proud of, The Pataudi Palace. Like at other Neemrana properties, we try our level best to employ as many local people as possible. The word ‘Neemranification’ has now come to symbolise a viable and sustainable ‘Heritage-Tourism,’ involving all of India’s local communities. SL: How has the response to Pataudi been from travellers both in India and from abroad? FW: Pataudi Palace, being the closest palace to Delhi, remains the weekend favourite of Delhiites, along with Neemrana Fort-Palace. We also have travellers from all over India and overseas – and French nationals top that list. Further, the Pataudi Palace has also become a favourite venue for hosting business conferences, parties and weddings – from both India and overseas. SL: What kind of cultural activities have taken place in Pataudi, aside from social events like parties and weddings? Would you like to host Book readings, Exhibitions, Crafts, Literary and Art festivals, as is the practice in Neemrana Fort? FW: We have conferences and celebrations on a regular basis at Pataudi. However, 15 rooms is too small an inventory to have extensive cultural programs, as of now – unlike Neemrana Fort-Palace, which has 60 rooms. We will see in the future. SL: Do you have any plans for adding similar designerresorts? FW: We get 3-4 proposals a week. We are always open to doing interesting projects that come our way. We take this opportunity to announce that Neemrana now means 28 Non-hotel Hotels, having added Deo-Bagh in Gwalior, Divan’s Bungalow in Ahmedabad, and Tijara FortPalace in Rajasthan – which will be opening its doors soon. (There is a Glass House by the Ganges in Uttarakhand). SL: How often do you go to these Palaces? FW: I try and visit The Pataudi Palace at least once a month. Since Neemrana FortPalace is the flagship property, Aman Nath and I are usually working there every weekend.u Artist, Writer & Curator