Love Over Crystal

But theres one business that Dodhia has not been able to palm off with customary clinical aplomb Roland Ward, maker of hand-crafted crystals. Its where I mix business with pleasure, says the crystal connoisseur and self-confessed patron of rare arts, who was in the capital last week to launch his crystalware in India. Roland Ward makes for only 0.1 per cent of my turnover, but occupies 15 per cent of my time.

Just like his other business pickings, Dodhia bought the company in 1978 as he went about his usual shopping in downtown Nairobi. Roland Ward had been one of the best known names for taxidermy products (articles made by stuffing wild animals) for several decades, and had outlets all over the world. But the core business was floundering in the face of growing animal rights concern.

Thats when Dodhia stepped in, and changed the business focus to making rare hand crafted crystals, which was only a minor segment till then. The company changed tack completely and became an avid supporter of wildlife conservation. The crystals now have intricate animal motifs etched on them by using the unique copper-wheel engraving technique a Bavarian speciality and a closely guarded secret. The masterpieces are made by Bavarian craftsmen who are required to go through eight to twenty years of apprenticeship before they are allowed to touch the crystal.

Now, Dodhia is making available these exquisite items for Indian crystal buffs. Costing anywhere between $70 (Rs 2,520) for a whiskey glass and $800 (Rs 28,800) for exclusive collector items, these lead crystal products are available on order. Besides, theres the 46 per cent import duty to reckon with. You have to understand that crystal is after all a luxury, says Dodhia, himself an avid collector. In fact, such is his passion that hes been coming to India every year since 1971 to collect miniature paintings and other Indian artifacts.

Theres also a sense of homecoming, though. Dodhias parents hailed from Jamnagar (Gujarat), and had migrated to Kenya with only a pair of pants and two shirts. But Dodhia has put all that behind him, and made good the African dream. Dodhia Group now has an annual turnover of over $20 million, with some interests in textiles. But money is mostly spun through takeovers and sellouts.

But will the incorrigible businessman ever sell Roland Ward, which is so close to his heart? The offer has to be very, very good!