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Rajiv's Room

The PM's office was totally redesigned. Kohli says it was a telling insight into Rajiv's personality that he wanted his executive chair to be of the same size and style as the visitor's chair. He abhorred huge executive chairs and what they conveyed. The artwork in his room represented India's culture and artistic skills, some bronzes and paintings taken on loan from the National Museum and the NGMA. Handwoven fabric made up the furnishing. Others such as Topolski's portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru which hung over the fireplace belonged to the family as did a few other items. Curtains were taken down and windows restored to their original teakwood louvred shutters as initially intended to keep out the sun. Special double doors for the purposes of soundproofing were designed. The mechanism for these doors was worked out by Rajiv himself. Yards of dust-laden coir matting in the corridors were removed and the removal of the green carpeting in the first floor waiting room revealed beautifully patterned marble flooring beneath. The original painted ceilings of this room and the stairwell were restored. Rajiv also wanted all existing bathrooms to be restored with durable hard finishes. He wanted all design concepts to be the same and standards to be maintained throughout all bathrooms whether used by himself, secretaries, clerks or peons. In short, an office which was a study in inspired simplicity.

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