M F Husain and his muses

M F Husain began his artistic life as a film hoarding painter. His propensity for falling in love with actresses is well known. He would watch their films umpteen times and paint them endlessly*Called her a classic beauty.*Painted her and madefilm. *'Gajagamini' with her in 2000 n *Said to have seen her 'HumAapke Hain Koun' 73 times*His love for life gave him the strength tofight all odds. A complete fighter, he always missed home. Although he didn'tlike discussing his exile from the country, he said he missed the festivals andhis home and wanted to come back someday.*Watched her film Vivah 11 times. *Painted her live atDubai museum*His death has come as a rude shock...I was in touchwith him, and he had told me that he would be inviting some of his close friendsfrom Bollywood to the concluding series of paintings he was doing on the Historyof Indian Cinema for his Dubaimuseum.*Had offered her a film*I once visitedhis studio while he was painting and asked him for one painting. He gave it tome but did not sign it. I kept reminding him about the painting he gave mewithout his autograph!*Saw Ishqiya 12 times*Was planning to capture her oncanvas and celluloid*In fact, when I moved into my new houserecently, I left one wall bare for the painting (promised by Husain)... Everystroke of his paintbrush was awash withsensuality.*Watched 'Band Baaja Baaraat' 10 times*Iwas lucky enough to talk to him a few months ago and he told me he appreciatedmy work in BBB. He had also showed interest in painting a portrait of me, whichwas a great honour. I had hoped to meet him sometime, and I will always regretthe fact that I couldn't.