Hindu outfit demands apology from Tendulkar

Mumbai, Sep 9 (UNI) Giving a communal tinge to star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's recent visit to renowned painter M F Hussain in London, city-based Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a conglomeration of various religious committees, today demanded an apology from him for the 'act.' The Samiti, in a release here today, said by visiting the now London-based painter, the icon of Indian cricket had hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindus and the national sentiments of milliions of Indians.

''The Hindu Janajaguriti Samiti strongly condemns cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's visit to anti-Hindu painter M F Husain in the UK during his present tour there,'' the statement read.

According to the Hindu outfit, there are more than 1,200 complaints and several court cases pending against Husain.

''However, Sachin has glorified and supported such controversial paintings. Hence, we demand an apology from him,'' the statement said.

It may be recalled here that the master blaster who has just finished the one-day series against England on Friday, visited Husain's apartment in London, where he was gifted a special autographed painting by the internationally acclaimed artist.

Husain, who has been away from India since February last, worked on this painting during the current series. Inspired by India's scintillating performance and Tendulkar's steady knocks throughout the series, he completed the painting so that he could gift it to the star cricketer.

UNI