Tyeb Mehta's 'Rickshaw Puller' Breaks Auction Records with ₹69.1 Crore Sale

Historic Sale of 'Rickshaw Puller'

On Monday, Tyeb Mehta's artwork 'Rickshaw Puller' (2002) achieved a remarkable sale price of ₹69.1 crore during the inaugural auction hosted by Volte Una, marking a new world record for the artist.

This sale eclipses the previous record of ₹61.80 crore set by his piece 'Trussed Bull' in April 2025. Additionally, it ranks as the fourth-highest price ever paid for an Indian artwork at auction in terms of rupees.

The acrylic on canvas, created in the latter part of Mehta's career, features the rickshaw puller, a subject he revisited in his later creations. The auction saw intense bidding in the final moments before it concluded, although the buyer's identity remains confidential.

Tushar Jiwarajka, founder of Volte Una, expressed excitement about showcasing Mehta's painting to serious collectors worldwide in a private setting, emphasizing the respect given to the artwork.

Volte Una's buyer's premium is notably lower than that of conventional auction houses, aiming to provide a more direct and transparent connection between art owners and potential buyers.

The next auction is set for late November and will include a piece by MF Husain from the esteemed Herwitz Collection.