Life in colour

The agony, the ecstasy, struggle, success...the making of a man, painter, artist, MF Husain, was charted in Ekjute Theatre group's Pencil Se Brush Tak, staged on Wednesday night at the all-new Tagore Theatre.

The agony, the ecstasy, struggle, success8230;the making of a man, painter, artist, MF Husain, was charted in Ekjute Theatre group8217;s Pencil Se Brush Tak, staged on Wednesday night at the all-new Tagore Theatre. Houseful, the play directed by Nadira Babbar based on MF Husain8217;s memoir and written by Varun Gautam gave an absorbing insight into the lesser-known facets of the life of the painter. Peppered with music, visuals of Husain8217;s paintings, humour and a huge cast, the play effortlessly brings forth the intricate details of what makes Husain the phenomenon he his. Portrayed by three actors, Pawan Uttam, Anup Soni and Tom Alter, the play from the early years to present day deals with not just Husain8217;s art, but his growth and journey as a son, husband, father, artist, film-maker and celebrity. Born in a small village in Maharashtra, Husain8217;s talent was both recognized and encouraged by his family despite the hardships. His short tryst with a tailoring class, falling in love with Jamuna and losing her, joining the evening art school, innumerable attempts to find his feet in Mumbai, facing discouragement, his undying spirit and belief in his work and art, love for India, its culture, heritage8230;in just over two hours you Fida up, close and personal. The last part of the play is about Husain as a brand, a celebrity, his fascination with Madhuri, his numerous shows, studios abroad8230;Tom Alter plays the present-day Husain to perfection and all the three actors come together on stage to recount the colourful journey.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More