Air India In the annals of aviation history, amidst tales of groundbreaking routes and technological advancements, lies a story so bizarre, so surreal, it could only involve the eccentric genius of Salvador Dali. This is the story of how Air India, the erstwhile flag carrier of India, once gifted the world-renowned Spanish painter a baby elephant.
A Meeting of Minds and a Whimsical Request
The year was 1967. Air India, known for its luxurious service and patronage of the arts, commissioned Dali to create a unique souvenir for its esteemed first-class passengers. The result was a limited edition ashtray, a surreal masterpiece in porcelain, featuring a shell-shaped center, a serpent coiled around its edge, and the heads of elephants and swans forming the legs.
But when it came time to discuss payment, Dali, never one to conform to convention, made an unusual request: a baby elephant.
An Elephantine Journey
Air India, surprisingly, obliged. A two-year-old elephant was procured from the Bangalore Zoo and flown to Geneva, Switzerland. From there, it was transported by truck to Dali’s home in Cadaqués, Spain. The elephant’s arrival was met with much fanfare, with the town mayor declaring a three-day holiday and a grand parade held in its honor.
A Short-Lived Companionship
Dali’s fascination with the elephant, however, proved to be short-lived. While he reportedly envisioned riding it across the Alps, Hannibal-style, his wife Gala dissuaded him from the idea. The elephant eventually found a new home at the Barcelona Zoo.
The Ashtray’s Legacy
The surreal ashtray Dali designed for Air India, meanwhile, became a coveted collector’s item, a symbol of the airline’s golden age and its unique connection with the art world. It remains a testament to the whimsical nature of the artist and the airline’s willingness to indulge his eccentricities.
A Surreal Tale for the Ages
The story of Air India’s baby elephant gift to Salvador Dali continues to fascinate and amuse, a reminder that even in the world of aviation, there is always room for a touch of the surreal. It’s a tale that highlights the airline’s commitment to art and its willingness to go above and beyond for its patrons, even if it means fulfilling a request as extraordinary as a baby elephant.
Updated Information:
- Air India’s current status: As of 2025, Air India has undergone significant changes. It was acquired by the Tata Group in 2021 and is currently undergoing a major transformation, including fleet modernization and service enhancements.
- The ashtray’s value: The Salvador Dali ashtrays remain highly collectible and are occasionally sold at auctions for significant sums.
- The elephant’s fate: The elephant, named “Gala” after Dali’s wife, lived a long life at the Barcelona Zoo and became a popular attraction.
This updated news article provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the Air India-Salvador Dali story, incorporating relevant background information and current updates to provide a complete picture for the reader.