Dubai: Controversial artist MF Husain, who has several criminal complaints pending against him in various courts in the country because of his paintings, has said he would return to India whenever he wants, as no one was stopping him.
Husain, India's most well-known painter, left the country after several court cases were filed against him for his alleged obscene depiction of Hindu goddesses. He now spends most of his time in London and Dubai.
At the Dubai premiere of Madhuri Dixit's come-back film Aaja Nachle, Husain said that he will return to India "whenever" he wants to, "since nobody has stopped me from returning home".
He, however, declined to say anything beyond that, stressing that he will only talk about art and cinema.
A Haridwar court had issued a non-bailable warrant against the painter and directed the seizure of his property earlier this year in a case filed by a lawyer, who alleged that Husain had hurt the sentiments of Indians in two paintings titled Bharat Mata and Krishna. The Supreme Court later stayed the order.
An ardent fan of Madhuri, Husain booked an entire show at the popular Lamcy theatre here for the screening of her latest film. He said the premiere was a "tribute" to the actress, who has remained a "phenomenon despite (being) missing from the entertainment scene for six years".
"She is the quintessence of classical Indian beauty and womanhood. I want others to enjoy the film with me," he said.
Husain also said that whenever he goes on a trip to the US, he makes it a point to visit Madhuri.
On Madhuri's sons Arin and Ryan, Husain said she is "such a fantastic mother. She is totally involved with the kids and has made the transition from superstar to super-mom effortlessly".
Husain said he felt Indian cinema is a great vehicle that can truly portray and carry the message of Indian culture.
Husain found inspiration for a series of paintings on Madhuri titled Fida. He also produced and directed a movie Gaja Gamini that cast Dixit in the lead role.
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