RIP Mr. Hussain!-

Noted painter and legend in his field, Maqbool Fida Hussain passed away today of a heart attack in Royal Brampton Hospital, London.

A contemporary and progressive artist, Hussainji has had phenomenal contribution in bringing India to actually feature as a significant contributor in the field of art over his years of creativity. However, due to the infamous controversy, arising from his disputed dishonorable paintings of some Hindu deities, the iconic artist had spend the last years of his life in a self imposed exile since 2006, on foreign soil. Despite his more recent efforts to return to the land of his birth, where he is heard to have wanted to breathe his last, Hussain was not granted permission owing security matters and politico miscellanea.

At his demise however, PM Manmohan Singh and President Smt. Pratibha Patil have expressed deep grief, lamenting the loss as 'national'.

M.F. Hussain has given Bollywood critically acclaimed although scantily popular works like Gaja Gamini (starring his long time muse Madhuri Dixit) and Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (starring Tabu, and a debut for actor Kunal Kapoor). Passing away today, at the age of 95 years, from a bout of illness that the renowned artist was suffering from for a month now, he leaves behind, many with heavy hearts in tinsel town.

Condolences as expressed by some noted celebrities [(c) Twitter & Reuters]:

Kunal Kapoor: Deeply saddened by the news about Hussain saab. He was not only a great artist but an incredible human being. His passion and love for life was contagious and unparalleled. May his soul rest in peace.

Shabana Azmi: He was a prolific painter. He is someone who is born once in 100 years. I last met him through a video-conference. He was deeply moved when we told him we will try to bring him back to India. He missed India.

Abhishek Bachchan: Very sad to hear of the passing of M F Hussain saab. A wonderful person and a great artist. May his soul rest in peace.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Sad to hear renowned legendary artist M F Husain passes away, RIP!!!

Javed Akhtar: I think many people realise the importance of artists in this country because of him. His contribution to Indian art has been totally unprecedented.

We at BollyCurry mourn the death of this man who shall ever be a source of pride to the national heritage, and shall be remembered by, despite and beyond the unwarranted controversies that marked his last years. RIP Hussain sahab!