Vishwa Hindu Parishad wants nude Hussain to travel across India

Has asked artist to display the controversial painting in other cities too

For all his controversial masterpieces, Maqbool Fida Hussain has always courted controversy as well as the right-wing Hindu organisations.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad promptly picked up on a story published by MiD DAY on Monday ('Hussain in the Nude') about a Delhi-based artist's attempt to paint the master in the buff.

"This should send a message to MF Hussain. When he painted Hindu goddesses and Bharatmata in the nude, it was not appreciated by a large section of society. We hope the man realises the grave mistake he had done by hurting religious sentiments," said a spokesperson of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Meanwhile the artist, Dr Pravana Prakash, confirmed that the VHP had called him, extending its support. "The media coordinator of VHP rang me up this morning and praised my paintings. I was even encouraged to hold such exhibitions in other parts of the country. But I would like to clarify that my fight is not against any religion or sex. My paintings just say one thing stop using women as objects. They should be treated with respect," said Dr Prakash.

The artist also confirmed that BL Sharma, a BJP politician, is coming to visit his exhibition at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) Gallery. "He is planning to come today," Dr Prakash added.

Meanwhile, the owner of the gallery where the controversial painting is on display, said there was nothing vulgar about it. Chairman of AIFCS Hari Ram Heera Nandani said, "I don't think there is any problem with the painting as it doesn't portray nude images of gods or goddesses. It's just the painter's creativity that has been captured. However, if there is any controversy, we will certainly remove the paintings."

But city artists refused to express their views. Popular contemporary Indian artist Anjolie Ela Menon said, "An amateur artist wants to make a political statement and I don't want to be a part of it."

Another renowned painter, Vivan Sundaram, excused himself by saying he was busy. Artists Muzaffar Ali and Shobha Broota offered similar excuses.

Dr Prakash has created a canvas that shows a woman painting Hussain, as he stands framed against his trademark works. In the painting, the great master is depicted standing with a weasel and a palette.u00a0