Farewell Tyeb...

Tyeb Mehta died as quietly and discreetly as he had lived. Husainsaab was large hearted enough to acknowledge that Tyeb was indeed the definitive figurative painter of his time. M.F. Husain was Tyeb's friend, contemporary and admirer. I'd frequently meet them together at Pundole Art Gallery or at Husain's home, over kadak chai and art world gossip. No matter what Husainsaab may say now as a tribute to his late dost, I know how surprised he was when Tyeb's painting and not one of his own ,crossed the one million dollar mark at that historic Chritie's auction in New York ( a stunning triptych called Celebration). Husain's ego was a little bruised, but the shock was somewhat tempered by the thought that it was Tyeb and not some bratty upstart who'd beaten him to it. As always, it was the TOI'S Nina Martyris ( as quiet and discreet as Tyeb himself), who wrote a lyrical tribute to Mehta, sans the annoying intellectualisation that art critics feel obliged to indulge in. Such a shame that Husain won't be here to attend his friend's funeral and console Tyeb's widow Sakina. I am almost certain that Husain will express his grief via a canvas dedicated to Tyeb. I feel fortunate to have known Tyeb and lived with his dramatic work for several years.

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I told my husband I'd rather be married to a gay guy than a straight man who 's a wife beater. He nodded in agreement as we both concluded it was time India grew up and accepted a few social realities. This was while watching the TV discussions on the issue after that historic judgement delivered by the bold and forward thinking Chief Justice A.P. Shah. While Celina Jaitley spoke sense ( she was clearly being prompted via text messages during Arnab's show, but what the hell - she played the messenger convincingly), could she not have dropped the blue contact lenses, fake lashes, crazy wig and caked make up? She wasn't shooting an item song.For someone pretty smart and articulate, Celina often gets it completely wrong when it comes to putting herself together for sober occasions . Nothing a clued -in stylist can't fix .... but fast, please!!

It was amusing to read Arjun Ramphal's carefully worded response to the judgement. We are all waiting to hear what SRK and Karan Johar have to say.... John Abraham has sweetly given his quotes. But there are countless other Bollywood guys whose reactions are going to be closely monitored, dissected and recycled. Comprenez??