Younger by the Year

GROW younger, live longer! Interested? Read on, because today8217;s column is a salute to an 88-year-young gentleman. Enter M F Husain saab...

GROW younger, live longer! Interested? Read on, because today8217;s column is a salute to an 88-year-young gentleman. Enter M F Husain saab. Sorry! Did I say 8216;enter8217;? I take that back, this world-famous artist doesn8217;t enter, he zips in. And he8217;s been like this ever since I did my first detailed article on him, 15 years ago. I interviewed him alongwith J R D Tata, Dev Anand, Russi Karanjia, Ramma Bans to figure out precisely how these powerhouses get their energy. Since then, I have observed him socialising in the brownstones of Upper Manhattan, striding from Grand Central to Soho without a break, directing Madhuri on the sets of Gajagamini with passion and vision. There was one thing common in every encounter: I had a real problem keeping pace with him.

What8217;s his secret? Here is the gist of all I8217;ve gathered over the years. 8216;8216;It8217;s all in the mind,8217;8217; mumbles Husain, genuinely surprised at being asked a question with such an obvious answer. 8216;8216;The mind is extremely powerful, you must have a zest for life, a passion to do something. If you are involved in something you love, your body chemistry will respond and keep you well.8217;8217;

In Husain8217;s case, it is his creative passion for painting from the age of 11, which is the driving force. But while the mind plugs you into the energy storehouse of the universe, how does one look after the body? 8216;8216;Walk,8217;8217; says Husain matter-of-factly, looking incredulous that I could ask another dumb question. Of course, it8217;s well known that the 8216;feel-good8217; endorphins that pump through the body during a brisk walk have a natural buoyant effect. 8216;8216;I have never known Baba to feel depressed,8217;8217; adds daughter Raeesa. 8216;8216;Whenever he is tired, he just sleeps it out.8217;8217;

As for food, says Husain, 8216;8216;It is important to always leave the table somewhat hungry, no matter how tasty the food is.8217;8217; This habit is a major factor responsible for his energy levels. 8216;8216;Baba eats a lot of salads,8217;8217; adds Raeesa. 8216;8216;Earlier, he used to have a lot of red meat, but after his heart surgery, he has given up all that. Everytime he feels low, he goes on a fruit or veggie diet.8217;8217;

Husain is also particular about not smoking and not drinking alcohol. 8216;8216;I always order only half a cup of tea, take a few sips and leave the rest,8217;8217; he says. And yes, he drinks a lot of water.

Here8217;s wishing him many more such years to his life and life to his years!