Pablo Picasso to MF Husain: Gifting the recipe of art
Imagine walking into a bustling eatery in the bylanes of a small Indian town and encountering the artworks of the country's most famous artist. When MF Husain visited Kochi as a brand ambassador for Kerala Tourism, he often chose to eat his meals at Kayees, a popular biryani joint in Mattancherry. On the day of his first visit, he drew the leg of a goat on a piece of paper while sitting on the bench, to indicate to the puzzled waiter that he wanted a leg piece in his curry. He went on to complete the sketch of a goat and handed it over to the restaurant. He also presented a drawing of a camel as a parting gift, and today, the humble hotel proudly displays these invaluable gestures on its crowded walls.
Another unusual place that features a painting by the iconic artist is the Lucky Tea Stall in Ahmedabad, renowned for its unusual location. The owner who purchased the land did so without realising that it was a cemetery. The knowledge did not prove to be a deterrent, and he went ahead with his plans, placing tables for customers amid the graves and coffins. The morbid surroundings soon became its unique feature, as well as its chai and maska bun. Husain was enamoured by the ambience and in 1994, gifted his painting to the owner, which still adorns its walls, adding its own charm to the 'dine with the dead' environment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
8 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Will Mahesh Babu turn into Indiana Jones for SS Rajamouli's film? Alleged SSMB29 plot leak explored
SSMB29, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role, is currently in the making under SS Rajamouli's direction. As more details about the movie are yet to be unveiled, a recent report has revealed its plot, and here's what it says. SSMB29: Mahesh Babu starrer's leaked plot According to a report by the Tanzanian portal, The Citizen, it read, 'Inspired by Indiana Jones and African adventure classics, the film follows a rugged explorer who sets out on a high-stakes mission through uncharted terrain, battling nature, mystery, and a powerful enemy to uncover a long-lost secret that could change the world.' As SSMB29 is currently in production, the movie is reported to begin shooting in East Africa with Mahesh Babu being joined by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The shoot for the jungle adventure movie is expected to take place in the Serengeti first, and later move towards the Southern parts of Africa. More about SSMB29 Talking about the magnum opus, SSMB29 is touted as one of the biggest cinematic ventures ever envisioned in Indian cinema. Aiming to portray a never-before-seen experience, the movie is speculated to be made on a budget of Rs 900-1000 crore. Initially, the film was said to be releasing in theaters as a two-parter with the shoot going up until the end of 2026 and hitting the big screens in 2027 and 2028, respectively. However, we at Pinkvilla exclusively reported that the makers have moved away from the decision and will release it as a single film, likely with a long runtime. Apart from Mahesh Babu, the adventure film will have Priyanka as the co-lead with actors like Prithviraj and R Madhavan in key roles. Recently, it was also reported that similar to Kurchi Madathapetti, Mahesh Babu will have a solo dance number in the SS Rajamouli directorial. The track is said to be a massy number with several dancers alongside him. Moreover, it has been speculated that Mahesh Babu has decided not to use any body doubles for the adventure movie and will do his own stunts.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Does Saiyaara's opening day number prove that good music, especially in a love story will always be a crucial factor in Hindi cinema to attract the audience? Let's explore
Mohit Suri 's directorial 'Saiyaara' has sprung up a huge surprise at the box office. The film has already made a double digit number on day 1. Till friday evening the collection was around Rs 14.07 crore. If there's growth in the night shows, it may end up crossing Rs 20 crore on day 1 which is a huge number for a film with debutants. It marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda . The audience is getting to see a hardcore, young love story after a while and that's perhaps what has worked in its favour. However, even good music has played a huge role in attracting the audience. The title track of the film was a earworm already and somehow the audience felt nostalgic and went back to the era of Emraan Hashmi movies and ' Aashiqui 2 '. So, does this success re-instate that good music is essential? ETimes discusses it with experts. Music is essential to Hindi cinema irrespective of the genre Speaking about the importance of good music, trade expert Taran Adarsh recalls the time when 'Choli Ke Peeche' from 'Khalnayak' was a hit. He told ETimes, "Sometimes we had movies minus the songs and it's important to have music. Many years ago, there was a film called 'Tezaab', it was a very important film. But Ek Do Teen created such a wave. Khalnayak was such a big film but that one song 'Choli Ke Peeche' took it to another level. So, never underestimate the power of good music. It takes the film to another level. Of course, the content matters eventually. But music can really add as a hook to attract the audience." Producer and film expert, Girish Johar echoes this sentiment and says, "There is a very strong connection. Music is a very critical element especially in India, in making the audience excited to come to the theatres. I don't remember any movie which has done at the box office and the songs are not hits. There are certain films where songs are added as background scores, but they do help to emotionally connect to the film. It is one of the critical elements to the film." Girish Wankhede says, "Music has always been the lifeblood of Indian cinema, serving as a powerful medium that enhances storytelling and resonates with audiences on an emotional level. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the landscape of Indian films, with a predominant focus on action-packed narratives and high-octane spectacles. Many of these films, including numerous dubbed versions, have sidelined music in favor of adrenaline-fueled sequences, leading to a decline in the musical richness that once defined Bollywood. " He added, "Enter 'Saiyaara,' a film that represents a refreshing return to the roots of Indian cinema, where music plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Directed by Mohit Suri, known for his successful ventures in the musical genre with films like 'Aashiqui 2,' 'Murder 2,' and 'Ek Villain,' 'Saiyaara' showcases Suri's deep understanding of how music can elevate a film. His ability to weave melodies into the fabric of storytelling has garnered him a dedicated following, and with 'Saiyaara,' he appears poised to reignite the passion for music in cinema. " The overall package Adarsh further added, that more than music, in case of 'Saiyaara', it's the film on the whole which has made a huge impact. He said, "Music hamara core raha hai always. So, of course it's important. But such a love story which is so good was lacking in Hindi cinema. It was such a beautiful film. More than the numbers, I'm just happy with the way it made me feel. It stays with you for a long time and we haven't seen such a film in a while. I think this is Mohit Suri's best film and I've seen all his films. Good music, youth factor, that freshness. I think it has all disappeared. We're making masala films, we're making gangster movies, we're making larger than life films, VFX and whatnot. But the basic core, music, we have been forgetting. We are making love stories but this intense, young love story like this, had been lacking." He added that one can't just see and forget such a movie and it stays with you for a long time. Adarsh said, "Every song is so seamlessly, you know, woven into the film. I'm just singing the title track ever since I've seen the film." A great song with great picturisation is the key Earlier, during a chat with ETimes, legendary music composer Viju Shah known for his music in 'Gupt', 'Mohra', 'Tridev' and other movies chose to also give credit to the film-maker. He said, "What I feel is, in 'Gupt', music didn't draw the public. It became popular after watching the film. People think the music of 'Gupt' was ahead of its time. At that point, I remember, we had gone for a show with Mr Bachchan, Farah Khan. They heard the casette and they were numb and quiet. There was no response from everyone. I'm talking about July 97. People didn't understand the music of the film that time. For 'Gupt', I feel it's the picturisation which has taken the song to another level. I remember telling director Rajeev Rai, that he took the songs to another level." A well-made love story with fresh faces and great music has always worked One remembers the classic 'Aashiqui' which was a rage, because of its great music. It made Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal into stars overnight. Then we saw that in even 'Aashiqui 2'. Though, both Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur had done films before that, it was a love story like 'Aashiqui 2'. While this year, we saw young, fresh faces, in movies like 'Loveyapa' or 'Azaad'. a well made love story with great music, good actors and the overall package was perhaps missing. Lack of quintessential elements in Hindi cinema While everyone agrees that the elements which made Hindi cinema what it is, have been lacking strongly, Wankhede added further, "Moreover, the rise of streaming platforms has contributed to a fragmentation of musical content, often prioritizing dialogue-driven narratives over the melodic storytelling that has long been a hallmark of Indian films. This shift has led to a scarcity of memorable soundtracks, leaving audiences yearning for the musical experiences that once characterized the cinematic landscape. Saiyaara emerges as a case study in how a well-crafted soundtrack, combined with the freshness of new talent, can work wonders at the box office, drawing audiences back to theaters."
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 new promo out: Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani; says 'Phir aarahi hai Tulsi aapke aangan mein khilne'
Iconic TV show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, a show that not only redefined the saas-bahu genre but became a part of daily life for millions is returning with a new season. The announcement of the show's new season had already created a storm across social media, and the release of the first promo took the excitement to a new level. The nostalgic theme tune, generating massive buzz and an overwhelming response from viewers across digital platforms. The first promo didn't just tease the new season, it revealed Tulsi's look, combining grace with strength, reminding fans of the powerful matriarch they loved and admired. Now, after the new promo drop, the makers have shared the video with the caption, 'Badalte waqt mein ek naye nazariye ke saath laut rahi hai Tulsi! Unke iss naye safar mein judne ke liye kya aap hain taiyyar? Dekhiye #KyunkiSaas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, 29th July se, raat 10:30 baje,' This new season strikes an emotional chord, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective. The promo opens with Tulsi sharing memories of the past while setting the stage for what's to come. From Gomzi's shirt with his name written on it, to remembering the saas-bahu relationship turmoil, she speaks about changing times and the importance of staying true to one's values. The promo highlights her strength and rootedness in family traditions, even in the face of modern challenges. The promo transitions from familiar motifs of the past to reimagined present-day visuals, offering a seamless blend of memory and modernity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It concludes with a powerful reminder that this isn't just a show, but an emotion reborn. Over the years, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi evolved from being just a daily soap to a cultural phenomenon. The Virani family and their Shantiniketan home became household names, deeply embedded in the collective memory of Indian television audiences. Its legacy continues to live on through reruns, fan clubs, and now, a new season. Smriti Irani Is Back as Tulsi! #KyunkiSaasReboot Premieres July 29
