M.F. Hussain to paint Amrita Rao

Dec 17, 2006 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Dec 17 (IANS) After Madhuri Dixit, it's Amrita Rao who has inspired renowned painter M.F. Hussain to do a series of paintings after watching her in her film "Vivah". The actress is over the moon.

"I could swoon with delight," she said. "I mean this is Hussain saab. The last time he painted someone from a film by Soorajji (Sooraj Barjatya) it was Madhuri Dixit after 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun...'," Amrita told IANS.

Starring Amrita and Shahid Kapur, "Vivah" is about the sanctity of marriage. The film did brisk business at the box office.

"Apparently, Hussain saab has seen 'Vivah' several times. And he decided I'm worthy of the honour of being painted by him. I am like... wow! You know I'm Madhuriji's biggest fan. If ever there was a living legend, she's it.

"Husain saab is a big fan of Soorajji's work. I remember seeing Madhuriji's paintings in the Rajshri office. And now it's my turn. What more could I ask for?"

Tell her it's the dignity of her role in "Vivah" and she gets overly modest.

"I feel any actress would shine if presented the way I've been in 'Vivah'. Actually, all of us - Soorajji, Shahid and I - were on test in 'Vivah'. Unlike Madhuriji's glamorous outfits and presentation in 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun...' my glamour lay in my simplicity. I guess it's that quality that appealed to Hussain saab.

"I feel like pinching myself each time I think of being part of Hussain saab's art.

"This would be my most memorable and colourful brush with life. But you know what? In my heart of hearts I had always dreamt of being Hussain saab's muse. Now it's come true!"

Amrita says she needs to tread very carefully from now on about her next career move.