MUMBAI, February 2: Fifty-one years after his tragic death, Kundan Lal Saigal's treasure-trove of the medals and gifts bestowed upon him is being auctioned. At a meeting held today at Kala Ghoda's Jewish Club, the Cine Society's secretary and founder member Ali Bhai announced that Saigal's belongings were being put up for sale. ``We are offering them for sale. But we have no permission to conduct a legal auction. Whoever is interested in buying them can come forward and take them,'' he said.This unofficial sale of the legendary singer's possessions was announced in the presence of his two daughters, Bina and Nina, and veteran music director Naushad Ali, the President of Cine Society. Both daughters, however, refused to speak on the issue now.
``This entire sale is being conducted by the Cine Society. We will comment on the issue only after the auction takes place,'' Nina said. On display are a collection of rings, bracelets, a gold chain, cuff links, two cigarette cases, several medals and a silvertea-set in a wooden chest which was presented to him as a memento by students of Morris College, Nagpur, in 1935.
Saigal had reportedly left his medals and his gold ring at the Horniman Circle branch of Dena Bank. After his death on January 18, 1947, there arose a dispute about who would inherit his fortune.
While his belongings were finally released from the bank last year, his daughters couldn't reach an agreement about what to do with them. While one daughter insisted they should be handed over to the National Film Archives, the other felt they should be auctioned. ``They have been fighting over these priceless items for 50 years. Finally, I mediated and had them released from his bank locker. Now they belong to me and the proceeds from this sale will be used to set up the Kundan Lal Saigal Memorial Trust,'' Ali Bhai said.
When asked why they weren't conducting an official auction, he said the daughters didn't want to get into trouble with tax authorities and preferred this method of disposing of thecollection.
There is no price tag on any of the items, nor is there any sign of a valuation certificate to prove the authenticity of the items being auctioned.
``His belongings are immortal. We can't put a price tag on them. So any deal that takes place will be strictly between us and the buyer,'' Ali Bhai said.
Recounting his long association with Saigal, Naushad lamented that successive governments had ignored the immortal singer.
``I am pleased to know there will finally be a trust in his name,'' he said.
Saigal's harmonium and tabla that he used for his riyaaz were not on display today. These items are currently in New Delhi at Bina's house.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
