The agony, the ecstasy, struggle, success.the making of a man, painter, artist, MF Husain, was charted in Ekjute Theatre group's Pencil Se Brush Tak, staged on Wednesday night at the all-new Tagore Theatre. Houseful, the play directed by Nadira Babbar based on MF Husain's memoir and written by Varun Gautam gave an absorbing insight into the lesser-known facets of the life of the painter. Peppered with music, visuals of Husain's paintings, humour and a huge cast, the play effortlessly brings forth the intricate details of what makes Husain the phenomenon he his. Portrayed by three actors, Pawan Uttam, Anup Soni and Tom Alter, the play from the early years to present day deals with not just Husain's art, but his growth and journey as a son, husband, father, artist, film-maker and celebrity. Born in a small village in Maharashtra, Husain's talent was both recognized and encouraged by his family despite the hardships. His short tryst with a tailoring class, falling in love with Jamuna and losing her, joining the evening art school, innumerable attempts to find his feet in Mumbai, facing discouragement, his undying spirit and belief in his work and art, love for India, its culture, heritage.in just over two hours you Fida up, close and personal. The last part of the play is about Husain as a brand, a celebrity, his fascination with Madhuri, his numerous shows, studios abroad.Tom Alter plays the present-day Husain to perfection and all the three actors come together on stage to recount the colourful journey.
