tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post3255337145552231101..comments2023-10-09T18:12:29.276+07:00Comments on Agelessbonding: Did India reject M.F.Husain?Ushahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00179239922869639391noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-17981373490604326602010-03-16T20:23:54.914+07:002010-03-16T20:23:54.914+07:00First time on your blog....Liked your post I read ...First time on your blog....Liked your post I read the Vir sanghvi article and found it quite appealing and thought provoking.Anamika Surekahttp://www.wiseshe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-20801476848880888882010-03-12T05:27:18.462+07:002010-03-12T05:27:18.462+07:00Hi Usha,
I've been a silent follower of your ...Hi Usha,<br /><br />I've been a silent follower of your blog for quite sometime. I find some of them boring while rest of them excellently narrated.<br /><br />This post is an intriguing post in itself. I made sure I don't miss reading any of the comments posted. I should say you've got a good list of followers. <br /><br />Personally, I'm a fanatic patriot! Whenever someone says something against my country, I confront them right there with a tight answer. Coming to Mr. MFH, good that he is a blessed artist, if he takes pride in being a citizen of India; he would not have created this painting (http://www.hindujagruti.org/activities/campaigns/national/mfhussain-campaign/paintings.php).<br /><br />He draws the nude paintings of Hindu deities in 1970 and I salute his guts for bringing out his "Nude Bharat maata" painting in 2000. So, is this what you call as love for your country? I thought love for a nation could be expressed just like I do.<br /><br />As most of them said, we(Indians) are very liberal on certain notes. Look at the fate of the Danish Cartoonist! (I don't have a better example to quote as no one would have ever depicted their homeland as a nude woman). This is something which is incorrigible. <br /><br />As you quoted, he has his freedom of expression even now. Hope you can use it for many more years without any kind of hindrances. If one feels that India has lot a great artist, they should also feel that Mr. MFH has lost the very valuable Indian citizenship and a patriotic admirer of his paintings (ME).Vishnuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615487364244513378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-50708952339257700532010-03-08T22:10:29.345+07:002010-03-08T22:10:29.345+07:00Usha! a well presented post but imo lacks an all r...Usha! a well presented post but imo lacks an all round perspective.<br /><br />Actress Khushboo made just a remark on pre-marital sex in an interview and she was harassed to no end by those who abuse the legal machinery. Not only did she handle it but she continued to reside in the country instead of taking the easy way of 'self exile'.<br /><br />MFH could have chosen to fight the legal battles legally but instead chose to hide behind artistic freedom and also left the country. <br /><br />Will write a detailed response soon.<br /><br />CheersBadrihttp://www.badrirag.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-14796338387177718322010-03-08T18:48:20.419+07:002010-03-08T18:48:20.419+07:00Onewish, entrepreneur, candid chitchats:
Thanks fo...Onewish, entrepreneur, candid chitchats:<br />Thanks for the comment.Ushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00179239922869639391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-42834646049454816142010-03-08T14:42:13.580+07:002010-03-08T14:42:13.580+07:00Usha : There are a few more paintings which are of...Usha : There are a few more paintings which are offensive. pls see this link.<br />http://www.hindujagruti.org/activities/campaigns/national/mfhussain-campaign/<br />Please note his paintings of the Hindu Goddesses juxtaposed with his other paintings. Then judge for yourself whether it is a case of just getting carried away a bit with the brush or it is more than that.Candid Chitchatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17658258941264656705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-541413577058161382010-03-08T14:03:31.234+07:002010-03-08T14:03:31.234+07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Candid Chitchatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17658258941264656705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-28758474954368442902010-03-08T13:09:02.707+07:002010-03-08T13:09:02.707+07:00It is not we who didn't let him fit in.
It wa...It is not we who didn't let him fit in.<br /><br />It was he himself who didn't fit in with India.<br /><br />India is a nation built of its people, by its people and for its people. It means that it lies on all of us to uphold the values on which we decided to build India. Being secular is the duty of each of us- which in a country so diverse means tolerance and flexibility. It means that if my wearing shorts to a Gurudwara would offend people, I will not do that. It is a balance of tolerance and flexibility.<br /><br />Hussein wasn't that. And so, he was never truly Indian by the definition that we all are.<br /><br />I say, Good Riddance!!!EntrepreneurNIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07979628628421802888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-77004048900270250472010-03-08T12:52:42.820+07:002010-03-08T12:52:42.820+07:00"FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION" is much cliched ..."FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION" is much cliched word these days! Freedom of expression at what cost?Has anybody wondered over that?Has any free intellectual tought where to draw the line?When you are living in a society,its commonsense that you be mindful of others' feelings,way of living & enable everyone to live in harmony.Why can't MFH draw other paintings of his daugher,mohd.'s daughter,ghaulib nude?Why only India,our godesses & gods?Can he draw mhmd naked? Can he dare?If he can I Esteem him as an artist of courage!!! He is a paranormal, psycho man,which media has hyped as great artist.How sane is it a common man follows like a donkey?<br /><br />Feel ashamed that things of matter of respect for us are demeaned,don't glorify the downtrodden.<br /><br />Have some dignity for yourself.OneWishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06565663650147293322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-2950330844164625152010-03-07T20:19:28.209+07:002010-03-07T20:19:28.209+07:00Eve'slungs, A-Kay: I hear what you are saying....Eve'slungs, A-Kay: I hear what you are saying.<br /><br />Sunitha: No he wasn't treated any differently from others. But the question is: do these instances point out that we seem to be becoming over-sensitive of late and more often it seems to be as a reaction to something that was done by the 'other'.<br /><br />Bala Rao: True and sad isn't it?<br /><br />Anon: This backlash by the Hindus and reduced level of tolerance to anyone trying to be critical or disrespectful to their religious practices is the result of centuries of tolerance and finally ending up in a situation where the 'minorities' are treated with kid-gloves and given special priveleges by the government. There is a feeling of being let down and being taken for granted which has led to some individuals and groups taking law into their own hands against any perceived insult to their religion particularly when the source is from another religion. There is always a tendency to cling together and become protective of your roots when you feel threatened from outside. So the kind of modernisation of religion cannot happen until there is a general climate of mutual respect and trust among the different communities in this country.<br />Unfortunately there are extremist elements on both sides who do not want this to happen. So when Husain Paints those images or Tasleema questions certain practices in her religion, they become opportunities for these elements to score over the other. In Husain's case he seems to have gone a bit too far that he has hurt people who normally take a moderate view of things with the result that most people of his own country have rejected him despite all his international fame.<br /><br />Parvathy: It is sad that things have come to such a pass in this country and Husain's instance is just a symptom. The malaise runs deeper and we probably need to introspect and see how we can end this vicious cycle.<br /><br />Gour: While I am not in agreement with the adjectives you have used to describe the man, I agree it is good for him to stay out.<br /><br />Maami:These offensive paintings are a very miniscule part of his body of work and yet as of today he is judged as a person only for these. When the man is gone and these hurts are forgotten, perhaps that is when he may again be considered for his art.<br /><br />Anon: mmm.<br /><br />S!:Not too different. But the thing is we still attach a lot of emotional significance to issues like family, nation etc. So giving up some of these SEEMS larger than just changing jobs. <br />In the case of most Indians who acquire a U.S. passport or canadian Passport it is like what you have said. Practical considerations while being 100% Indian emotionally. But considering the circumstances and the manner things happened with MF, it seemed like there were larger emotional issues involved. <br />For all you know it might have been as simple as avoiding tax by becoming a NRI or acquiring a different citizenship.Ushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00179239922869639391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-26447444546584610632010-03-07T16:28:12.401+07:002010-03-07T16:28:12.401+07:00I think it is a little complicated like you have c...I think it is a little complicated like you have cited in the various angles you bring in. <br /><br />Some of these are really symbolic issues - if you take nationalism out, is it very different from changing jobs & retaining your friends in the last company? And how much a company will bend to accommodate one person, albeit great, but apparently not a popular person as a whole.S!https://www.blogger.com/profile/16530331322257003674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-53307760122427225672010-03-07T15:27:43.369+07:002010-03-07T15:27:43.369+07:00let that guy be... no point reading into situation...let that guy be... no point reading into situations where they dont exist..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-66320390438760676262010-03-07T15:11:36.694+07:002010-03-07T15:11:36.694+07:00In recent decades paintings like 'Piss Christ&...In recent decades paintings like 'Piss Christ' by Serrano where he placed a plastic crucifix with Christ in a transparent box of his urine;a depiction of Jesus as gay and I think one of Jesus as a black woman in the nude -I kinda liked it ;)- presiding over the last supper caused unrest in the West.In Australia where the population is predominantly WASP, art works of Osama Bin Laden in the form of Christ, Virgin Mary in a burqa caused deep offense, stirred debate, and some won prestigious prizesdespite objections! <br /><br />The true test of art is its timeless appeal. Time and history will decide the worth of such artworks- our current objection or support to Hussain or other artists notwithstanding. <br /><br />Despite what the mad mullahs said, his many pecadallios with celebrity women, Rushdie's Satanic Verses remains a powerful satire on faith. Rushdie has had his answer even after deportment, fatwa etc.<br /><br />The verdict on Hussain's worth will have to wait.maamihttp://maami.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-85486512766395732662010-03-06T16:18:31.994+07:002010-03-06T16:18:31.994+07:00Apparently it is good for the old hypocrite and se...Apparently it is good for the old hypocrite and sexual pervert to keep away from India .Those who under the licence of artistic freedom lend suipport to his ghastly bizarre paintings of revered goddesses copulating with animals are also no less sexual perverts and no less hypocrites.It is heartening at least a segment of people in India have some sense of decency who succeeded in chasing him out of this land .Dr.Gour Mohantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08007143623518098606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-31634744855832598322010-03-06T15:56:14.875+07:002010-03-06T15:56:14.875+07:00Apparently it is good for the old hypocrite and se...Apparently it is good for the old hypocrite and sexual pervert to keep away from India .Those who under the licence of artistic freedom lend suipport to his ghastly bizarre paintings of revered goddesses copulating with animals are also no less sexual perverts and no less hypocrites.It is heartening at least a segment of people in India have some sense of decency who succeeded in chasing him out of this land .Dr.Gour Mohantyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08007143623518098606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-60771147059883710522010-03-06T10:38:09.914+07:002010-03-06T10:38:09.914+07:00Post is too good. At 95 in exile? What a shame! M...Post is too good. At 95 in exile? What a shame! Most of the comments show that over years we have learned to be fundamentalists too. Artistic freedom should not be mixed up religious sentiments.All of us get embarrassed for Talisma episode and Danish cartoonist's plight,but do we like to join the bandwagon? It is very sad if any form of art is required to be exhibited with police cordon and any artist be escorted by police in our country.Seemingly we are sliding down. Thanks to the bigot think tank. They are able to make headway!Parvathihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12185826333440577723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-6496519190570592392010-03-06T03:53:23.233+07:002010-03-06T03:53:23.233+07:00If I may, let me put a different spin on this cont...If I may, let me put a different spin on this controversy: like Greek mythology, Hindu religion is also a lot of mythology, esp wrt to its various Gods. Greek gods, as you know, have been painted/ sculptured in many forms over the years, and the Greek haven't done much about it. Why you ask? Simple, Greek mythology is no relevant in their lives, while Hinduism lives on.<br /><br />But it is pertinent to ask should Hindus also evolve to a version of Hinduism which is comfortable with modernity: if we could simply 'extract' Hindu-based philosophies from its myriads of sources, i.e including those based on mythology as well as more factual interpretations (Thirukkural comes to mind of course), we'd actually make a quantum leap to becoming a people who are prepared for the modernity that awaits, at least from where I sit: a modernity that relies less on dogma, ritualistic practices, and instead goes to a 'purist', almost 'Buddhist' approach to life and religion.<br />Imagine for a second, if the Hindu 'educated' diaspora worldwide were to make this seemingly impossible transition, we'd simply compare MF Husain to Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses, and tell ourselves, it does not mean anything to us, it doesn't hurt us, etc as our religion, our deep beliefs, our way of life, our application of religion in everyday behaviour is rooted in beliefs which are entirely purist: those relating to the purpose of the Atman and nothing else!<br /><br />Then, and imho, only then, could we actually progress psychologically to be a diaspora who can compete with the Chinese race, as they are, whether we like it or not, the economic/social/inspired success that they are increasingly setting the standard for these days, at least in Asia.<br /><br />I sincerely feel the educated among this truly elite blogger and her faithful followers like you must lead, show leadership in:<br />- not getting emotional about MF Husain's and the likes' doings, as they are nothing more than interpretations of mythological gods, while the basic tenets of Hinduism are unaffected;<br />- actively discourage the increasingly blind, ritualistic behaviours of the less educated among us, focusing on offerings to various gods in exchange for boons, relief from afflications, etc;<br />- seek out the higher level values of Hinduism, discard the rituals, and place religion in its rightful place in your everyday lives, so that in effect, you have embraced modernity deep inside your souls, while placing this higher level Hindu philosophy in its inner core;<br />- accept the tremendous sapping of the soul's energy that ritualistic practices sucks in, as a result of, inter alia, our inherent acceptance of fatalism, caste-rooted traditions and constraints and inability of a person to be entirely agile in body, spirit and soul to embrace the many opportunities offered by the globalised economy, which in turn makes it mandatory that one is adaptive, flexible and constantly evolving.<br />Long note no doubt, but I look around, and where I live, I see the discipline, confidence and adaptability of the Chinese and get positively depressed at the comparative lack of energy of the Indian diaspora, esp wrt the amount of time and effort they spend on 'navel-gazing', instead of improving themselves to face modernity with full vigour, confidence and energy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-60008368802052320712010-03-05T20:17:38.849+07:002010-03-05T20:17:38.849+07:00painting goddess saraswathi in the nude and painti...painting goddess saraswathi in the nude and painting our mothers in the nude is the same. artists are eccentric but someone's eccentricity should not be an excuse to offend sensibilities of a nation. one thing is very clear: he has deliberately offended the faith, religion and social sensibilities of a nation by painting some of their most exalted goddesses in the nude. if this were to happen in any arab country, by now he would have been long dead.<br /><br />Usha, let some hindu artist paint a picture of prophet mohammed (nude or otherwise); u will see the voice of the so called religious minority in india echo in the parliament; the artist's consequent arrest; fatwa issued against him by the mullas of all jumma masjids; apologies by the PM, Ruling party, President, etc to the "minority community"; also an international fatwa issued against him by the mullas of iran, saudi.. riots allover india.. and it goes on...<br /><br />and u just have to think for a few moments to imagine the reaction of the "english media" :-) they would castrate him on tv in order to show their secular credentials.bala raohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03686399292777992242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-77111618957171629082010-03-05T15:43:07.726+07:002010-03-05T15:43:07.726+07:00@Raj
"The stupidest argument one can come up...@Raj<br /><br />"The stupidest argument one can come up with is that the Khajuraho temple has engravings that are far more vulgar in their depiction of Hindu women.And this is enough justification for Husain to use his brush to produce similar stuff. Surely, our sensibilities have evolved in the centuries since Khajuraho?"<br /><br />Im only wondering why do we have double standards. Okay, my argument may sound stupid, but the point of Khajuraho was more of a tongue-in-cheek response to the comments from some of these apparent self proclaimed supporters/protectors of our "culture". <br /><br />Anyway, I totally endorse your views on legal actions against MFM in case it did "offend" people. Violence or defacement of paintings was certainly not the answer.And besides, as a nation, we need to grow up and move on from such controversies. I sincerely believe things like riots in a nation are a bigger blot on the identity of an Indian than any Da Vinci scandal/nude painting. But then, who cares...S.V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06762172890083391079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-44054178665958826582010-03-05T13:05:35.459+07:002010-03-05T13:05:35.459+07:00MF Hussain is free to choose to live in any countr...MF Hussain is free to choose to live in any country he likes. As far as I am concerned he wasn't treated any differently than what ordinary Indians go through in every day life. After all didn't the vandalist drive out the north Indians from mumbai and deny them their livelihood, wasn't Kushboo made to apologise for her innocous comments on premarital sex ... sharuk khan ... aamir khan ...well I can list tons of such incidents that we face here on a everyday basis. Some people have it in them to fight it out and some people choose other options out of furstration which is their right. I really wonder how valued and wanted he will be in his new country if he chooses to excerise artistic freedom that may be considered offensive by the people of his new country.Sunithanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-15872946475253683382010-03-05T12:21:23.205+07:002010-03-05T12:21:23.205+07:00My point is not whether nude is glorifying or deme...My point is not whether nude is glorifying or demeaning - all I care about is be fair and equal. When one is purposefully not, that is when it leads to suspicion about his intentions, which happened in the case of M F Husain. I agree with you that law has to take its course - there were innumerable protests but no one barred him from entering or living in India. It was upto the Govt to give him enough protection and if he was not satisfied with that, then it is his call. That said, I don't care two hoots whether he has given up Indian citizenship or not or whether he is on a self-imposed exile from India or not, and don't understand why media made such a big deal out of this...A-kayhttp://madras2madurai.hopto.org/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-32728742667926031012010-03-05T01:36:03.264+07:002010-03-05T01:36:03.264+07:00Usha - An artist has a wide range of liberties but...Usha - An artist has a wide range of liberties but there is a fine line which if crossed is tantamount to playing with fire . As someone pointed out the reason behind his not returning to India could be the lawsuits . <br />I am not overtly religious , I appreciate art , coming from a family of well known artists and I know it is fashionable to decry the excesses of the moral police where art especially is concerned , but I still have my reservations about the series which Husain painted .If he chose to accept the citizenship it was his option . <br />The link you sought is here http://www.cylive.com/content/11927/MF_Husain_s_Nude_Paintings_of_Hindu_DeitiesAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14157665564024320442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-26188439810480514872010-03-04T23:15:25.047+07:002010-03-04T23:15:25.047+07:00Stephenson Viegas: Thanks for your insights.
Raj:...Stephenson Viegas: Thanks for your insights.<br /><br />Raj:Please send me a copy of the series. <br />But I still do not understand the intention to cash in after the controversy. He could not have sold them in India. And I wonder if foreign art lovers really care about Hindu gods in the nude unless the painting had artistic merit otherwise.<br />To me he comes across as an eccentric, crack-potish artist with a good heart. But my opinion is only based on what I have read about him.Ushahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00179239922869639391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-59426820161996953322010-03-04T22:46:23.905+07:002010-03-04T22:46:23.905+07:00Usha, you have replied to one of the commenters th...Usha, you have replied to one of the commenters that “ I also believe he genuinely did not intend to insult Hinduism - he just went a bit too far with his brush. Yes he apologised only after wide spread protests. That is again because he did not intend to insult anyone and only when people protested did he realise that he had made a mistake. “<br /><br />I am afraid you are being far too charitable here. It is not as if the poor, innocent artist had, on some sudden creative impulse, unknowingly painted a solitary picture of a nude goddess. He is a serial offender- he had painted an entire series depicting Hindu gods/goddesses in a manner calculated to provoke and with a clear intention to cash in on the resulting controversy. (I can mail you the series, on request) The man has not had such creative urges when dealing with men, women and gods of any other religion. The pattern is all too obvious in his series of paintings and it would be utterly naïve to suppose that he did not intend to insult or did not realise he was making a mistake. Where he did not realise he was making a mistake was in presuming that the opposition would simmer down soon. To expect to be let off lightly after an apology is a bit too much. As if it is such a magnanimous gesture on his part. <br /><br />Not being a religious person and not being a card-carrying believer in Hindu mythology, I am not offended by his paintings, but I am not at all surprised that many people find them revolting. I would certainly not give them the right to attack him personally or vandalise his paintings, but I would most definitely support their right to take him to Court. <br /><br />The stupidest argument one can come up with is that the Khajuraho temple has engravings that are far more vulgar in their depiction of Hindu women.And this is enough justification for Husain to use his brush to produce similar stuff. Surely, our sensibilities have evolved in the centuries since Khajuraho?Rajhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09367344161081393779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-43785790453002278812010-03-04T19:45:55.381+07:002010-03-04T19:45:55.381+07:00And kudos to you, Usha for being a better and bala...And kudos to you, Usha for being a better and balanced voice among the clutter we get on biased TV channels and equally biased fundamentalists.S.V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06762172890083391079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974677.post-91360571317370517502010-03-04T19:43:50.286+07:002010-03-04T19:43:50.286+07:00@Gokul V.
"I would really respect MFH if he s...@Gokul V.<br />"I would really respect MFH if he said anything about the atrocities and monstrosities committed by Islamic fundamentalists around the world."<br /><br />So it finally comes down to this, doesn't it? Strangely, every muslim always needs to "prove" his "Indian" credentials, as does every other who doesn't fit in the majority. Bet that one doesn't accept the apologies ever and conveniently becomes a punching bag for fundamentalists. I haven't ever heard of these so-called fundamentalists apologising for their actions ever! And for me, there is no distinction between religion and faith. <br />Besides, if he is disrespectful and blah, so are those waving the fundamentalist banners and crying hoarse. But then would we bother if they are our own - sometimes Hindu, sometimes Christian,sometimes Muslim....do we dare to raise our voices if they are our own? If we do indeed, we fall between two broad categories as kivina pointed out - Minority pandering or weak majority, isn't it?<br /><br />@kivina,<br />Its fashionable these days to follow the yardstick argument that Hindus are weak. I don't think so...(had an unforgettable experience of Mumbai riots when I was a kid). I honestly feel most don't care two hoots about all these so-called "hurting of sentiments". They are always played up by vested political interests and Indians always fall for that. Most Christians don't give a damn about Da Vinci, neither do most Hindus bother about MFH's paintings nor do most Muslims care abt Afzalkhan in their everyday lives. <br /><br />Anyway going by the above arguments though, I wonder how those Khajuraho temples/ Konark temples are not razed to the ground yet. Compromising positions in a temple, Blasphemous, no? I think each faith evolves thru its good and bad. No faith is perfect. We all need to move on beyond trivial affairs. If MFH has apologised it shows his better side. yet to see the better side of the others...S.V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06762172890083391079noreply@blogger.com