Artists welcome Qatar nationality to Husain

New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI) Leading artists on Thursday
welcomed the conferment of Qatar nationality on M F Husain,
who has been living in self-imposed exile abroad for nearly
four years following a spate of legal cases in the country
over his controversial paintings of Hindu goddesses.
"That's a great honour for him," painter Anjoli Ila Menon
said, describing 95-year-old Husain as a "true Karma Yogi".
Referring to the controversy over his work, she said all
that the government had do to was assure security to him.
Noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal said he would not blame
Husain if he accepts Qatar's nationality as he has been
treated "so shabbily in our country."
He is a living treasure and certainly the most celebrated
Indian contemporary artist, Benegal said.
News about the Qatar nationality for the legendary artist
was reported by 'The Hindu', which printed five lines written
by Husain above a line sketch of a horse, his trademark.
"I, the Indian-origin painter M F Husain, at 95, have
been honoured by Qatar nationality," wrote the painter, who
shuttles between London and Dubai in exile.
Husain went in exile after a hate campaign was launched
against him in 2006 over his controversial paintings.
Several cases were filed against him by people protesting
his portrayal of Hindu goddesses in the nude. His house in
India was attacked and art works vandalised by the
fundamentalists.

Last month, the legendary painter told PTI in Dubai that
he missed India "tremendously" but could not return to the
country because of the numerous cases filed against him for
his art.
"I miss India tremendously. But I can't go back because
of the many cases against me," he had said.
Congress spokesman Rajiv Shukla said Husain should come
back to India and he will be given full protection and
fool-proof security.
"Nothing will happen to him. He is an Indian citizen and
he has got equal rights on India as any other citizen," Shukla
said, adding Husain should remain an Indian citizen. "He will
be most welcome here."
Reacting to Qatar's decision, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
said in Thiruvananthapuram that the Sangh was not opposed to
the renowned painter's return to India, but he should
apologise to the people "whose feelings he has hurt with his
paintings."
"We welcome M F Husain as an Indian citizen. Why should I
oppose? But every Indian has to take care that he should not
hurt the feelings of other Indians," he said.
Appreciating Qatar's decision, Akhil Sibal, the lawyer of
Husain, said wherever Husain goes he is welcomed with open
arms by head of states.
"He is a living legend, but in India, his own country,
the government remains a silent spectator to the harassment he
faces," Sibal said. PTI MYR
AHM