For 15 years, the Dutta brothers dominated South Asian art sales in the U.S. through Aicon Gallery. Now, Prajit and Projjal Dutta rarely communicate, except through legal channels. Their 2017 split stemmed from disagreements over business strategy: Prajit focused on established artists like M.

F. Hussain, while Projjal prioritized emerging talents. After years of tension, they divided their art collection and rebranded into Aicon Art and Aicon Contemporary, sharing the same Manhattan space.

The brothers’ rivalry, fueled by personal history and professional clashes, reshaped the market for Indian art.