20 Years of Meenaxi: Controversy and Reflections: Controversy Related to Song ‘Noor-Un-Ala-Noor’ in M F Husain’s “Meenaxi started erupting again at its anniversary
20 Years of Meenaxi: At the 20th anniversary of M F Husain’s directorial venture “Meenaxi,” a significant controversy started to erupt in the media regarding the abrupt removal of the film named Meenaxi from cinemas. Distributed by Yash Raj Films, the movie started facing backlash over its song ‘Noor-Un-Ala-Noor,’ which allegedly hurt religious sentiments, particularly among Muslim communities during the release. More than ten days after its release, various religious organizations, including the All-India Ulema Council, demanded a ban on the song, claiming it misused words from the Quran to describe the physical beauty of the female lead, Tabu. Distraught by the controversy, M F Husain decided to withdraw the film from theatres across India on April 15, merely two weeks after its release. Despite protests from some quarters, including the Raza Academy, Husain stood firm in his decision, expressing that he did not create the film for commercial gain and that there was no intention to offend.
20 Years of Meenaxi
M. F. Husain Legacy
Maqbool Fida Husain, popularly known as M. F. Husain, was an Indian artist celebrated for his vibrant and bold narrative paintings, characterized by a modified Cubist style. Born on September 17, 1915, in Pandharpur, India, he emerged as one of the most prominent figures in Indian art in the 20th century. Initially associated with the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, Husain played a pivotal role in shaping Indian modernism in the 1940s, inspired by the evolving post-partition Indian landscape.
Artistic Journey:
Husain’s early career saw him painting cinema posters in Mumbai and developing his skills through diverse experiences. He sold his first painting in 1934 and gradually gained recognition for his distinctive style. His paintings often depicted a wide range of themes, including iconic figures like Gandhi and Mother Teresa, as well as narratives from Indian mythology and urban life.
Controversies and Challenges:
Despite his acclaim, Husain’s later works stirred controversy, particularly due to his portrayal of Hindu deities in the nude. This sparked outrage among certain groups, leading to protests, lawsuits, and even attacks on his artwork and home. In 2006, he faced charges of hurting religious sentiments, further complicating his artistic journey.
Awards and Recognition
M. F. Husain’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades and honours, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of art and culture:
- Padma Shri (1966): Awarded by the Government of India, the Padma Shri is one of the highest civilian awards in India, conferred in recognition of distinguished service in various fields.
- Padma Bhushan (1973): Another prestigious civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, was bestowed upon Husain for his exceptional achievements and contributions to Indian art.
- Padma Vibhushan (1991): The Padma Vibhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India and was awarded to Husain in acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions to the arts.
- Raja Ravi Varma Award (2007): Recognized by the Government of Kerala, this award honoured Husain’s remarkable legacy and artistic prowess, further cementing his stature in Indian art.
- Honorary Doctorates: Husain received honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the University of Calicut, acknowledging his significant impact on the art world.
- National Art Award (2004): Conferred by the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, this award recognized Husain’s exceptional talent and contribution to Indian art.
- Aditya Vikram Birla ‘Kalashikkar’ Award (1997): Awarded for Lifetime Achievement, this prestigious honour celebrated Husain’s enduring impact and artistic brilliance.
- National Film Award for Best Experimental Film (1968): Husain’s experimental film “Through the Eyes of a Painter” received critical acclaim and earned him the National Film Award, showcasing his versatility across different artistic mediums.
- Golden Bear Short Film Award: At the Berlin International Film Festival in 1967, Husain’s film “Through the Eyes of a Painter” received the Golden Bear Short Film Award, further highlighting his creative excellence.
- International Biennale Award (1959): Husain’s artistic achievements were also recognized on the international stage, with the International Biennale Award acknowledging his significant contributions to the art world.
Exile:
Faced with mounting pressure and threats, Husain chose self-imposed exile from India in 2006, eventually accepting Qatari citizenship in 2010. Despite the challenges, he continued to create prolifically, contributing to various projects and exhibitions globally. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honours, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, conferred by the Government of India.
Why was the film “Meenaxi” withdrawn from cinemas?
The film faced backlash over its song ‘Noor-Un-Ala-Noor,’ which was alleged to have hurt religious sentiments, particularly among Muslim communities. Religious organizations, including the All-India Ulema Council, demanded a ban on the song, leading M. F. Husain to withdraw the film from theatres across India.
Who distributed the film “Meenaxi”?
The film was distributed by Yash Raj Films.
What was the controversy surrounding the song ‘Noor-Un-Ala-Noor’?
The song was criticized for allegedly misusing words from the Quran to describe the physical beauty of the female lead, Tabu. This led to demands for a ban from various religious organizations.
