In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Fida Husain, nephew of the legendary painter MF Husain, who was in town to showcase his artworks at Indiaa Art Festival, shares intimate memories and insights about his uncle’s life and work. He discusses the influence of MF Husain’s legacy on contemporary Indian art, his own artistic journey, and his upcoming book that details moments into the final years of MF Husain’s life and suggests a possibility of making a biopic.
What was it like living with MF Husain during his last days, and what are some of your most cherished memories of that time?
Living with MF Husain was like having an encyclopaedia of art at home. One cherished memory is when he would ask me to put up a 13-ft canvas on the wall, and he would start painting while blasting Madhuri songs, moving around in his chair.
How do you think his legacy continues to inspire and influence Indian art today?
Yes, he was known as the Picasso of India. His legacy continues through shows, exhibitions, and affordable prints, making his art accessible to the general public.
Can you share some insights into what inspired some of his most iconic pieces?
I have many of his works, including the Horses and Mother Teresa series. While in Dubai, he was influenced by the Palestinian insurgency, which inspired a series. One piece was auctioned at a high value, with the Ruler of Qatar bidding for the work at a very high value.
What can readers expect to learn from your book on MF Husain’s last years, and what motivated you to write it?
The book will cover his life in exile, a period unknown to many. It includes interesting incidents from the last six years of his life, which he spent with me. The idea was to share these lesser-known aspects of his life.
How do you feel about carrying forward his artistic legacy, and what responsibilities come with it?
I am involved in many art shows in India and abroad. After completing the book, there is a possibility of making a biopic about him, continuing his legacy responsibly.
How do you see the current art scene in India, and where does MF Husain’s style fit into it?
The current art scene in India values art as an investment and status symbol, especially works from master artists like Husain, Souza, Padamsee, and Tyeb Mehta.
What sets MF Husain’s work apart from other artists of his generation, and what makes his art resonate worldwide?
One reason is his integration of art with cinema, such as his film Gaja Gamini with Madhuri Dixit, which showcased in auditoriums in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Can you share some stories about MF Husain’s interactions with other artists and intellectuals, and how those relationships influenced his work?
He interacted with many artists in the UAE and Qatar, including Arab artist Mohammad al Taha from Doha, who influenced his style.
How has your artistic journey been influenced by your uncle’s legacy, and what kind of art do you create?
I was influenced by his art while he lived with me in Dubai. I draw in a Cubist style as a hobby, creating pieces for personal collection and gifting.
What message do you hope to convey about MF Husain’s life and art through your book and your presence at the India Art Festival?
The message is clear: art is a medium to convey our emotions and feelings for our beloved country.
How do you balance preserving your uncle’s legacy with encouraging new and innovative art forms?
I create digital prints, serigraphs, carpets, and curtains that engage with common people, resonating with their political or religious ideals.
What are some of the most significant lessons you learned from MF Husain about art, life, and creativity?
I learned from his interactions with collectors, his humorous nature, and his zest for life, even at 97. He painted till his last moments.
Can you share some anecdotes about MF Husain’s sense of humour and how it is reflected in his art?
Once, while flying to London, he wore two socks on one foot and frantically searched for the other pair. When his driver pointed it out, he laughed loudly, clapping in amusement.
How did MF Husain’s experiences in exile influence his art, and what impact did it have on his perspective on India and its culture?
His art during exile resonated with Arabs and flourished among investors. It helped promote Indian diversity and gained worldwide praise.
What’s next for you in terms of writing, art, and keeping MF Husain’s legacy alive?
I have many projects in mind, including digital works and shows, to keep his legacy alive.