M.F Hussain (1915-2011)

The world renowned artist M.F Hussain passed away on June 9th at the age of 95. The Mumbai-based painter has been living in exile for the past few years, in Dubai, Doha and finally in London.

M.F Hussain started off as a hoarding painter for movies in the 1940s. This product of prestigious J.J School of Arts went on to exhibit his works in Europe in 1950s which won him many accolades. In subsequent decades, he became the most valued and sought-after painter of modern India. Also known as 'India's Picasso', no drawing-room of the elite was complete with out an 'M.F Hussain'. Till the 1980s, he was largerly known among the art-lovers,the elite and intelligentsia.

M.F Hussain and his muse , the renowned Hindi movie-star Madhuri Dixit during the 90s. Both had great respect for each other.

The advent of 1990s saw M.F Hussain making news for all the wrong reasons. With the rise of Indian extremism, where each and every issue has been viewed through a communal angle, M.F Hussain became their favourite punching-bag. The centre of the controversy were his few paintings, he did decades ago, now misinterpreted as ' hurting religious sentiments'. The shows of his paintings were attacked and destroyed, numerous law suits were filed against him and there were even threat to his life. In such an atmosphere of blind-hate, even a genuis like Albert Einstein had to flee for life. M.F Hussain too fled from his country for good.

M.F Hussain made foray into film-making, directing two avant-garde movies . Gaja Gamini (2000) starred the legend herself : Madhuri Dixit.

Even during the times of persecution and intimidation, M.F Hussain silently continued his work and let his brush do all the talking. Infact those who were familiar with his works did not doubt his integrity and the artistic circles of India stood firmly behind him. He continued to produce many classic works even during the twilight of his career and made foray into the movies, directing 'Gaja Gamini'(2000) and 'Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities' (2004). He accepted Qatari citizenship but his home-country, especially his home-state Maharashtra where he spent most of his life, was always dear to him.

The second and final movie he made - Meenaxi : Tale of Three Cities (2004) was also in the genre of avant-garde.

The M.F Hussain episode is a example for those who spread hate and intolerance to advance their own causes. As the old saying goes, 'a lie has no antique value and truth will prevail sooner or later'. About a 100-years ago, Hitler unleashed a campaign against Jews based on some false allegations and propoganda. Now where is Hitler and where are Jews ? The former has been dumbed into the dust-bin of history, while the later became powerfull and influencial group in the world.

The great master's long eventfull creative life came to an end. But his art-works will continue to tell many tales in the years, decades and centuries to come. As M.F Hussain said in a recent TV interview : "Only the titles of the paintings were told, the real story takes a life time".

Frontline magazine has issued special features in their latest issue remembering the great M.F Hussain, which can be seen here:
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2813/fl281300.htm

Asian challenge

China's Li Na becomes the first Asian -male or female - to win a Grand slam title. She defeated the defending champion Francesca Shiavone 6-4,7-6(7-0) to win the French Open. Early this year Li Na came close to winning this distinction in the Australian Open but Kim Clijsters dashed her hopes. It is remarkable that Li Na's top form has not affected by the change of surface - from hard-court to clay-court.

But is Li Na the first ethnic Chinese to win the Grand slam ? I doubt it. If my assumption is right, that distinction goes to Michael Chang of U.S who won the French Open way back in 1989.

Mean while, Sania Mirza came close to become the first Indian woman to win a major doubles title. Infact, she was having a great run this year in the doubles partnering Elena Vesnina of Russia. So their presence in the finals hardly came as a surprise. But in the final they were beaten by unseeded Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in straight sets 6-4,6-3. Anyway, best wishes for the rest of season, including Wimbledon and U.S Open.