London is abuzz with excitement as fans line up outside Sotheby's, eagerly awaiting their chance to catch a glimpse into the private world of the iconic rock legend Freddie Mercury. His ex-girlfriend and soulmate, Mary Austin, has made the decision to auction off the contents of his home in Kensington, a treasure trove that she inherited from him. Inside Sotheby's, a massive 16,000-square-foot gallery space has been completely transformed into a never-before-seen exhibition. Walking through the exhibition feels like taking a tour through the different stages of Mercury's extraordinary life.

Visitors can marvel at his antique furniture, dazzling cat suits, well-worn sneakers, the iconic silver snake bracelet, cat ornaments, photos, his grand piano, hand-written manuscripts, and even his beloved Tiffany moustache comb. Each item tells a story of Mercury's flamboyant fashion sense, showcasing his unique flair. One aspect that stands out in his collection, however, is the limited representation of his Indian roots. Despite being born to Indian Parsi parents in Zanzibar, Mercury rarely spoke about his Indian heritage in public. His connection to India was deeply personal, as he changed his name from Farrokh to Freddie while attending school in India, officially adopting the name Freddie Mercury in 1971.

What makes this collection even more intriguing is Mercury's late fascination with Indian art. Just seven months before his untimely death, he acquired three Indian paintings, including a remarkable 16th-century miniature with an estimated bidding price of around Rs 50 lakh. This painting, a framed illustrated folio from the third Akbarnama by Indian artist Khem, depicts a prince on horseback and is believed to have been commissioned by Humayun's wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Additionally, there are other Indian items on display, such as a small silver pot from Kashmir and a silver cigar case containing Para-Grams by Paramahansa Yogananda, which was gifted to him by sixties pop star Dave Clark.

Rukmani Rathore, a specialist in Indian art at Sotheby's, speculates that Mercury's connection to his Indian-Persian heritage may have deepened as he grappled with his terminal illness. While there are Arabic and Persian words in his anthemic "Bohemian Rhapsody," India did not play a significant part in Mercury's life until the very end when he might have tried to connect with his roots. To honor Mercury's unique tastes, the Sotheby's restaurant has created a menu filled with his favorite dishes, such as "akoori" (Indian scrambled eggs) and tandoori lamb chops, establishing a link between his musical journey and his culinary preferences.

Additionally, visitors can experience the Story Café, which is adorned with cat wallpaper and filled with photos of Mercury with his beloved 11 cats, offering an intimate glimpse into his personal life. This exclusive auction at Sotheby's provides a remarkable opportunity for fans and admirers to delve into the private world of Freddie Mercury. As they explore this extraordinary collection of personal items, they witness the multifaceted journey of the legendary musician and get a sense of his deep connection to his Indian heritage.