M. Maher Dadha

Hailing from the illustrious Dadha family, with its roots in Phalodi, Jodhpur District (Marwar State, Rajasthan), Maher is the youngest son of the late business tycoon L. Milapchand Dadha and grandson of the legendary S. Lalchand Dadha. Following his father’s tragic death in a plane crash in Bombay in 1976, he was entrusted with the early responsibility of spearheading the group’s foray into diverse new-era businesses ranging from a Gems & Jewellery Trading Corporation to a Safe Deposit Lockers facility and a Sisal Fibre & Manila Ropes plant to a Greenfield Reclaim Rubber unit, besides serving on the board of the flagship company ‘Tamil Nadu Dadha Pharmaceuticals Ltd.’ After the Group decided to exit the reclaim rubber business, Maher, proudly aware of his family’s distinguished background yet certain that he wanted to experience a life beyond running industries, decided to nurture his long-standing fascination for arts and antiques that had developed when he was travelling extensively in the country visiting major royal houses to source gems and jewellery way back in 1974.

Thus, the desire to share the knowledge with admirers, collectors and connoisseurs took precedence above all else while at the same time presenting a unique business opportunity. Hence, along with the support of his wife Madhu, a law graduate, he started giving shape to an establishment that patronized old paintings, lithographs, antiquarian books, artifacts, etc. Subsequently, from 1992, he has been successfully running the well-known gallery Dukan - Fine Art & Antiques in Bangalore and has also published a book titled ‘Views of India – Art of the British Raj’ which is a reference on antiquarian prints, maps and books, for first-time buyers and collectors alike, specifically covering the work of British artists in India.

Ankush Dadha

Ankush is an alumnus of Bishop Cotton Boys' School, Bengaluru. His early education there was followed by a degree in Economics & Finance from the University of York, England. A period in stock trading was ensued by a stint in market research.

Profoundly influenced by the art environment he grew up in, his interest in Indian art and its potential as an investment asset class was a key factor in his decision to get involved in establishing Bid & Hammer. Having overseen the sourcing, research, cataloguing, marketing & various other aspects of the business right from its inception, he brings to the board his astute understanding of the business model. Over the years he has honed his knowledge of art and coupled with his management skills has enabled the auction house in becoming a principal provider of significant artworks.

Apoorva Dadha

Apoorva's early education at Bishop Cotton's and Christ College, Bangalore, was followed by his Bachelor's degree from Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. Besides being involved in the running of a greenfield Bio-Fuels unit, owing to the family's background he has a keen interest in art & antiques as well and wholeheartedly contributes to the running of the auction business too.

H.H. Gaj Singh II

His Highness is the thirty-eighth head of the Rathore clan of the Rajputs of Marwar. Simply known as ‘Bapji’ (father) to subjects, clansmen, friends and relatives, he was four years old when he succeeded to the Gaddi (throne) of Jodhpur. He is considered by his people to be the social and cultural head of Jodhpur, a fount of patronage and the custodian of her fabulous riches – forts, palaces, havelis, manuscripts, paintings, costumes, weapons and jewellery. Amongst its many precious heirlooms this clan counts foremost the sandalwood throne of Kanauj (now on display at the Junagarh Fort, Bikaner), the oldest piece of Indian furniture and to the Rathore, his only existing link with his ancestors of Kanauj, including Jaichand, who was, until 1194, the most powerful ruler in northern India. His Highness's seven hundred year-old traditions and history has seen much change and his clan's martial chivalry has experienced the Mughals, Marathas and the British.

He was born during the transition to independent India and is now an intrinsic and important part of modern India. He was eight years old when he went to Cothill House Prep in Oxfordshire. He was thirteen when he moved on to Eton. He studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Christ Church, Oxford.

Following a period in politics his activities have covered a wide range of social and cultural life. He served as the Indian High Commissioner to the West Indies from 1978-1980. He was elected (unopposed) member of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament from 1990-1992. As Convener of the Marwar regional chapter of INTACH, he has pioneered architectural conservation and restored many historical buildings in Marwar. In 2006, he received the Hadrian Award given by the World Monument Fund. As head of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in Rajasthan, he has done much to raise the level of awareness amongst his people.

Charu Sharma

An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer and St. Stephens College, New Delhi, Charu went on to Davidson College, North Carolina, USA to complete his post-graduation. However, Charu began competing in sporting events at a very young age and was a six-time junior national springboard diving champion (1970-76), a school and college captain in diving, swimming, water polo and gymnastics, an all India inter university diving champion from 1976-79, bronze medalist at the National Springboard diving championship (1978) and qualified for the Commonwealth Games, in Edmonton, Canada (1978).

He started his sports broadcasting career in 1982 at the IX Asian Games for the National Network of India and carried on to become the most respected multi-sports television commentator & anchor of the country. His versatility and knowledge about various sports can be gauged from the vast repertoire of national and international events that he has commentated on and presented for various channels. These include cricket, swimming, diving, water polo, hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, motor sports, boxing, golf, sailing, badminton, tennis, athletics, billiards, kabaddi, gymnastics and chess.

A television personality and the brains behind the Pro-Kabbadi League, Charu is a reknown cricket commentator, sports anchor, sports management consultant and voice over professional. He regularly hosts liveaward shows, corporate events and contributes to teamwork and leadership seminars. An avid art-collector, he has been with us as an auctioneer and business development strategist.

Bob Hayton

Bob Hayton is a professionally qualified Auctioneer and Valuer with more than 30 years standing, well known for his work in the field of Fine Arts and Chattels within the UK. He has also advised on and conducted auctions in Europe and UAE (Dubai) besides Bid & Hammer’s auctions in India including the Hockey India League players auction in December 2012 that went on for over 10 hours. Bob is essentially a 'Generalist' but with special interests and expertise in the fields of Silver and Furniture. As the UK representative of Bid & Hammer, with his vast knowledge and experience, Bob plays a vital part in assisting us internationally as well.