Why was MF Hussain banished from India?

Bangalore, Jun 9: The renown artist Maqbool Fida Hussain, who is mainly known as

, took his last breath on Thursday, Jun 9 in a London hospital. Hussain always faced a controversy-ridden life. He was banished from India and destiny stopped him to fulfill his dream to return to his home.

Hussain lived in exile and accepted Qatari citizenship as he enraged Indian Hindu groups like - Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the groups attacked his house. The artist allegedly received life-threats many time from these Hindu-outfits.

Controversies started when Hussain, despite several dire warnings, continued to depict nude Hindu deities or Hindu Gods in sexual union. Hussain always claimed that no one can bind art in a certain limit. Freedom of expression always acquired a place in Hussain's work of art.

Citing Hussain's continuous "attempt to hurt Indian sentiment", the artist was compelled to leave his motherland. Awards and recognitions followed Hussain for the mesmerizing canvasses he made. Getting the most coveted Padmashree in 1955, Padma Bhushan in 1973 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1991. He also got many international awards for showcasing the Indian art sensibilities in the global arena.

OneIndia News