Born on 17th September 1915 Maqbool Fida Husain commonly known as M.F.Husain is a famous Painter who renounced his Indian citizenship. He was conferred Qatar Nationality. All through his life, he enjoyed national as well as international fame. He was India's greatest and one of the most celebrated artists.
Trouble began for Mr.Husain when a hindi monthly magazine published his paintings in which he depicted Hindu goddess undressed in nude form. The Hindi magazine Vichar Mimansa published these paintings in 1996 with title "M.F.Husain: A Painter or a Butcher" . The paintings in question were actually made in 1970 though the controversy around them started in 1996. Following this many cases were filed against him in many courts. He was intimidated constantly by the Hindu Nationalist Groups from 1996,many of his works were sabotaged and his art galleries razed down. Overall 900 cases were registered against him and he also received many death threats Though the Delhi High Court dismissed these cases in 2004 he was charged with hurting the sentiments of people in 2006. From then he spent most of his time in exile. He spent his summer time in London and most of the remaining days in Doha the capital city of Qatar.
He desperately wanted to return to India but his qualms of being killed by fanatical groups held him from his return. Consequently he applied for Qatar nationality,received it in February 2010 and surrendered his Indian passport. Though he discontinued his Indian Citizenship he did not want to snap ties with his birth country and applied for an Overseas Citizenship Identity. He died on 9th June 2011 by a heart attack.
His admirers put forwarded a request to the Government to confer him Bharat Ratna India's highest civilian award. Bal Thackeray on day of his demise said "He only slipped up on the depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses. Otherwise, he was happy and content in his field. If his demise is a loss for modern art, then so be it. May his Allah give him peace."
This flamboyant artist, who rose from a humble background,whose refusal to wear footwear became his signature trademark needs to appreciated for his prodigious talent and creativity he portrayed.
These are some of his famous paintings
Trouble began for Mr.Husain when a hindi monthly magazine published his paintings in which he depicted Hindu goddess undressed in nude form. The Hindi magazine Vichar Mimansa published these paintings in 1996 with title "M.F.Husain: A Painter or a Butcher" . The paintings in question were actually made in 1970 though the controversy around them started in 1996. Following this many cases were filed against him in many courts. He was intimidated constantly by the Hindu Nationalist Groups from 1996,many of his works were sabotaged and his art galleries razed down. Overall 900 cases were registered against him and he also received many death threats Though the Delhi High Court dismissed these cases in 2004 he was charged with hurting the sentiments of people in 2006. From then he spent most of his time in exile. He spent his summer time in London and most of the remaining days in Doha the capital city of Qatar.
He desperately wanted to return to India but his qualms of being killed by fanatical groups held him from his return. Consequently he applied for Qatar nationality,received it in February 2010 and surrendered his Indian passport. Though he discontinued his Indian Citizenship he did not want to snap ties with his birth country and applied for an Overseas Citizenship Identity. He died on 9th June 2011 by a heart attack.
This flamboyant artist, who rose from a humble background,whose refusal to wear footwear became his signature trademark needs to appreciated for his prodigious talent and creativity he portrayed.
These are some of his famous paintings
