Madhuri Dixit pays tribute to M.F. Husain

Madhuri Dixit has paid a personal tribute to M.F. Husain, who died in London on Wednesday.

Known for his celebration of the female form, the controversial artist described Dixit as the "complete woman" and heralded the actress as his muse. Dixit recalled fond memories of Husain, who painted her on various occasions
and even organised an exhibition in her name.

Speaking from her home in Denver to NDTV, she said: "Age never touched him. Here he was, an 86-year-old, but there was a little child within him that was excited about everything he saw as well.

"He was not only a great artist, but also my director. We worked together in Gaja Gamini. A wonderful personality. India has lost a jewel."

Described as 'The Picasso of India', Husain died of cardiac arrest at Royal Brompton Hospital and was cremated in London.

His last rites will be performed in India.

I never asked Vidya to pose nude

M. F. Husain has reportedly expressed anger at reports that he intended to paint a nude portrait of Vidya Balan.

The artist, currently a citizen of Qatar, famously upset members of India's Hindu community after depicting deities in an allegedly sexual manner.

Husain told The Times of India: "I would never ever even think like that. I have done several paintings of Madhuri Dixit but I have always captured her personality. I respect Vidya as an artiste and would never ask her or any artiste to pose nude for me."

He also revealed that he does not want to paint a life-like portrait of Anushka Sharma.

"Anushka has inspired me to do a painting of the quintessential Punjabi kudi [girl]," the artist said. "She was outstanding in Band Baaja Baaraat. She made the transition from a playful girl to an upright woman brilliantly."

M.F. Husain revives 'Mughal E Azam' through paintings

Well known painter M.F. Husain has paid his personal tribute to K. Asif's epic film "Mughal-E-Azam" by recreating the movie's fabulous scenes in a series of exquisite paintings.

"I love India. I loved the film and really wanted to show the grandeur and the power the film shows," Hussain said in a 22-minute documentary on K. Asif's timeless classic.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan presented the documentary made by his production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, at JW Marriot hotel Thursday night.

The documentary shows how the film was transformed from black and white to colour and preserved for future generations.

The documentary was an initiative by K. Asif's son, Akbar Asif, to keep the cinematic treasure alive. Along with Sharoopji Mistry, he had released the coloured version of the epic film in 2006.

Shah Rukh said: "There are lots of such classics in the archive. But being stacked for a long time, the prints and negatives of those timeless films are decaying."

"My motive of making this documentary is that lets all come together and spend some money to revive or preserve these films."

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who played the role of Salim in the film, is the only actor alive among the whole cast and he would be shown the documentary, said Shah Rukh.

"I have to go and show him the documentary. He would love to see it," he said.

95-year-old MF Husain's new muse

After Madhuri Dixit, Tabu and Amrita Rao, M F Husain has found a new muse in Anushka Sharma.

At last count, the celebrated artist had seen her film Band Baaja Baaraat eight times and was looking forward to several more repeat viewings.

The 95-year-old finds the movie fascinating. Husain who now lives in Doha in Qatar and travels to Dubai often has been catching up on Maneesh Sharma's movie with his family and close friends.

And interestingly, when he watches the flick, he does not put on his spectacles. He has been claiming that ever since he saw Anushka, his vision has improved!

On New Year's Day, Husain watched the film with his close pal, Mumbai-based businessman Munna Javeri, who was visitng him in Dubai.

"In the cinema hall I was shocked to seen him remove his glasses, " says Javeri. "He knew all the dialogues and he viewed the film like a painting filled with colours. If only he had a brush in hand"

Speaking from Dubai, Husain says, "It's still running to packed halls in its fourth week. Anushka was okay in the Shah Rukh starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, but in Band Baaja Baaraat she has proved what an intelligent actor she is.

She knows what subtle acting is all about. Even Ranveer Singh is good."

He feels the movie has a crisp, well-written script and the second half springs a twist. "It is a simple subject without any complications. This is what leading filmmakers must learn who unnecessarily complicate their movies."

Previoulsy he was fascinated by Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Vivaah which had marriage as their themes. And so does Band Baaja Baraat. "It's not that because they are all wedding related. It is because they celebrate life and colours which I cherish, " adds Husain.
He plans to see the movie as many times till it runs there. And next time when Anushka is in Dubai or Doha, she is sure to have a portrait of hers presented by the celebrated artist!

FACT: M F Husain has watched the Madhuri Dixit-starrer Hum Aapke Hain Koun 73 times and Amrita Rao-starrer Vivaah 20 times.