Tributes pour in; Bal Thackeray says: ‘May Allah give him peace’

“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.

“As far as change in citizenship is concerned,I myself listened to one of his interviews where he cited work and lifestyle as reasons for changing citizenship. I don’t think he stopped loving his country,” Soni said.

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray,who has been a bitter critic of Husain for his painting depicting Hindu dieties in “poor light”,prayed for peace to the soul of the artist.

“Damage may have been caused to modern art due to his demise. That’s all. May Allah give him peace,” Thackeray said.

He went on to add: “As an artist,everyone has a domain and Husain handled his modern art with zeal. However,he ‘slipped’ while drawing paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.”

However,MNS chief Raj Thackeray said all controversies related to paintings of the renowned painter should be laid to rest with his demise.

“Husain was a national asset and his contribution to the field of Indian art can never be overlooked. Whatever controversies happened should be laid to rest with his passing and if his family wishes to bring back the mortal remains home,it should be allowed,” Raj said.

He said Husain should be accorded appropriate respect. The MNS president,himself a cartoonist,said Pandharpur-born Husain was deeply associated with Maharashtra where his art blossomed and gained international recognition.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also condoled the demise of the renowned painter and described him as an artist who promoted modern art in India.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury described Husain as one of India’s foremost artists and creative personalities who contributed to art to take forward the syncretic civilisation that India is.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in his condolence message said: “In Husain’s death we have lost a legend… It has caused massive loss to modern Indian art.”

The death of the artist has created a ‘vacuum in the creative world’,he said,adding,Husain had given a new direction to modern art which gained international identity.

“I pray for peace of the departed soul and to God to give strength to Husain’s relatives and admirers in this hour,” he said.

Condoling the death,West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as “a unique painter whom the world will miss forever”.

Mamata said though Husain courted controversy over some of his paintings and many did not like some of his works,“as an admirer of Husain’s paintings,I accord full honours to him. He carved a niche for himself in the minds of common men”.

Condoling the death of the artist,Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted,“I will never forget the privilege of watching you paint in Sanawar (Shimla) all those years ago.”

Remembering Husain as a towering personality,JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said the artist remained at the epicentre of the painting world.

In his death,he said,the country had not only lost a diamond in the galaxy of painters but also a true statesman.