Supreme Court clears M.F. Husain of any Blasphemy

SC verdict a great gift: M F Husain

9 Sep 2008, 0534 hrs IST, Anubha Sawhney Joshi,TNN

NEW DELHI: It's probably the best birthday present he could have ever received and artist M F Husain is graciously thanking the country's highest court. "The Supreme Court has shown it is actually supreme... What a great gift" said Husain, who turns 93 on September 17.

Over the phone from Dubai the artist added, "At last they have understood the dignity of Indian contemporary art. This is not a victory for me only but one for the Indian contemporary art movement. In fact, it is the collective force of this movement that has finally been recognized by the SC."

Husain, who has been in self-imposed exile since January 2006 when right-wing groups threatened him with dire consequences, says he misses his country and can't wait to get back.

"I want to have khus chai at an Irani cafe in Mumbai and eat jalebi sitting in the CCI club lawns. I also miss having Dilli ka paan..." he said, promising to return soon.

India's artist community came together to congratulate the living legend. Friend and fellow-artist Tyeb Mehta, though hardly able to speak, insisted on coming on the phone after he was informed of the good news.

"The SC has lifted what was a national shame. I'm very happy for Husain and for the artist community. Please convey my good wishes to my friend," said Mehta.

Most artists, of course, welcomed the decision but said it should have come earlier. Said Delhi-based artist Ram Kumar, "This is good news but it should have happened much earlier."

Added Krishan Khanna, "I'm so thankful this decision has come in Husain's lifetime. This ridiculous state of affairs has gone on too long but better late than never." Gallery owner Arun Vadehra is ecstatic. "Husain has been a dear friend. My faith in the judiciary has been restored with this verdict."

Anjolie Ela Menon, who met Husain a few months ago in Dubai, is rejoicing. "He has the energy of a young man and his life is to paint everyday. I'm sure Husain never meant any insult to anybody. Which other Indian painter has made 300 paintings of the Mahabharat? I think this self-appointed moral police needs to stop. Husain is undoubtedly the grand old man of Indian contemporary art and we must get him back here."

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