To add value and create a buzz, the JSW group has roped in artist Bose Krishnamachari, architects Hafeez Contractor, Pavitra Rajaram and Ratan Batliboi, who have decked the cars in stunning colours. This fleet of exclusive wheels will be auctioned to raise funds for environment issues.

“I was always interested in public art projects,” says Bose, best known for painting a police chowky in Parel with psychedelic colours. “I got the idea of painting cars when I saw the works of Damian Hirst who had painted the Mini Cooper Hirst, and David Hockney (currently up for auction with a starting bid of US $12,500) who did a fantastic job when he painted the BMW. A project like this gives a three-dimensional feel to art. It’s done with auto paint so I intend it to be part of a more permanent collection, say in a museum or a private collection,” says the painter. Krishnamachari is also looking to collaborate with BEST to paint some bus stands.

Hafeez Contractor, whose foray into the visual arts comes with a bit of philanthropy, says, “It’s for a cause which is why I agreed. I made the sketch and my assistant finished it. First, we wanted to have it themed on environment but I thought pleasure and happiness would make a better theme, which is why our car looks the way it does,” he says, adding he did not know he was “up against” the likes of Bose Krishnamachari “or I would have done a better job”.