Nation pays rich tributes to MF Husain

New Delhi, Jun 9: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (June 9) led the nation in paying rich tributes to legendary artist M F Husain even as the government regretted that he had to live outside the country because of some "narrow-minded" people.

Condoling the death of Husain, the President said, he was a world renowned artist whose extra-ordinary style made him a celebrity on his own right in the arena of contemporary paintings.

"A man of multi-dimensional talent, his death would create a deep void in the world of art and creativity. He also brought glory to the house as a Parliamentarian," she said.

Vice President Ansari said Husain, a "legend of art of our times", was a keen observer of national evolution which was reflected in his art while Singh described the 95-year-old painter''s death as a "national loss". Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said his death created a "vacuum in the creative world".

"To most Indians, he came to represent modern Indian art," Ansari said.

Describing Husain as an "eminent and respected" personality, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said it was true that he got displeased at many instances and he did express his displeasure, but the government and many NGos tried to reason out with him.

"He was invited to India ...I do not remember on how many occasions. It's very unfortunate that narrow minded people look at art and creativity with same perspective, but the majority of Indian people have never supported their views," Soni said when asked about protests against him and his paintings by right-wing activists.

PTI