Maqbool Fida Husain

Indian High Commission to Britain has expressed grief over the demise of the legendary artist Maqbool Fida Husain.

“Husain’s death is an immense loss to millions of his admirers across India, the UK and the world. We mourn his passing away. In his death, the world of art has lost a person of prodigious talent who had opened up new horizons for other painters,” the High Commission said in a statement here on Friday.

“The High Commission of India sends its heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. At this difficult moment, we pray that God may give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

Mr. Husain, who rose from a Bollywood billboard artist to become India’s most celebrated painter worldwide, died here on Thursday.

Husain not just as a great artist, but also as a wonderful human being. The first Husain I acquired was the Mother Teresa painting, and the Mother came and blessed it herself. So that is extremely dear to me. While he did pathbreaking work in the 70s and 80s, over the past ten years, however, one did see him concentrate more on the 'marketing' aspect of art. That also came in for some criticism. Sadly, he also got into a controversy in India over the last few years, but I know that he had a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, including Hinduism.

He knew more about Hindu philosophy and the sacred Hindu texts than most. He was an extremely knowledgeable person with a rich experience, something he brought into his art. And like his art, Husain was often unpredictable as a person. I remember he called me to his home once and, to my surprise, I found he was not at home himself ! I realized this was a man who was not bound by routine, a free spirit. Similarly, he would stop by at my office unannounced at times, and was always delightful company.

Husain straddled the art world like a colossus for several dec ades, he was synonymous with Indian art. In his passing, the art world has lost a foremost thinker and a truly wonderful human being. Needless to say, people like MF Husain never really go away. He will serve as an inspiration to several generations of artists and art lovers. The world of art will miss him sorely; his iconic presence generated both curios ity and awe among his legions of admirers. But like all legends, Husain's mystique will endure.