By IANS
New Delhi : Eminent painter M.F. Husain’s solo show in the capital, his first after 19 years, was abruptly called off following alleged threats by Hindu fundamentalists over his nude depiction of Hindu goddesses. A decision to re-start the exhibition could be taken Sunday, officials said.
The limited edition graphic prints exhibition at the India International Centre (IIC), titled ‘India in the era of the Mughals’, was called off Friday afternoon.
According to an official of IIC, a decision to re-start the exhibition would be taken on Sunday at a meeting. “As of today (Saturday), it stands cancelled,” the official told IANS late Saturday night.
The exhibition, which features 20-odd prints from his Mughal India series, began Tuesday under heavy security.
This is the first large-scale show of Husain’s recent works in the country after his last significant display in 1988. It has been curated by impresario Dolly Narang jointly with the IIC.
The Delhi Bajrang Dal chief Ashok Kapoor told IANS that they would not allow Husain to enter Delhi.
“We will not let him enter Delhi. He has shown disrespect to our gods and goddesses. We will not tolerate this insult to our gods,” he said.
Husain’s nude “Bharat Mata” painting had raised the hackles of Hindu groups in India and abroad early this year. He has been living in London, where he has a studio-cum-home at Mayfair, since 1988. He is facing several court cases in the country over his paintings.