Conceptualised and designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the leading design consultants for the hospitality industry in the world, the entire project was implemented in a space of two-and-half years. But, as HBA director Bryan W Tarrant points out, the entire execution took place in a space of six months. The project cost has been around Rs 11 crore. According to Mr Tarrant, "We had to keep in mind the heritage aspect of the old Taj and the modernity of the present day. The new section is a continuity into the future." It was very evident - there is an emphasis on an international look and feel and yet retain the warmth and spirit of India. "We have used traditional skilled craftsmen from Agra for the stone carvings," adds Mr Tarrant. There is a circular ring at the top, which as Mr Tarrant puts it, "symbolises the process of continuity as we pass into the new millennium." And Mumbai's hoi-poloi was there in full strength to grace the occassion - even the spacious new lobby seemed overcrowded.

As one asks HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh his views on the new lobby, comes forth his prompt reply, "I am an interested party here." For the uninitiated, Mr Parekh happens to be a director on the Indian Hotels group board. But the highlight of the evening was definitely the unveiling of a 30-feet painting by MF Husain, the artist's biggest painting for any private collection.

Husainsaab apparently has yet to get over his fixation for the Dixit belle. The painting in bright red, blue and golden colours is divided in three panels - the first of which portrays Hrithik Roshan and Madhuri Dixit. As Husain explains, "they resemble the India of the new millennium, the India of the future." The second panel depicts Husain's trademark horses - which he sees as "the nucleus, the sun." The third panel carries forward the theme of eternal evolution. Ask him the consideration he received for the painting and he replies, "aesthetics". As the evening unwinds, you are enthralled by Esha Sherwani and her dance troupe on the patio against the backdrop of cascading waterfall. But at the end of the day, it was Mr Tata's turn to smile, despite being bogged down by the problems faced by his dream project Indica. As one introduces oneself, Mr Tata says: "Today, I do not want to talk on anything else. The new section to the Taj is a welcome addition - it is a nice feeling."