Husain’s creative genius extended beyond the canvas. He was a lover of fine engineering and luxury, which he expressed through his impressive collection of cars. While his bold, vibrant artworks and unique style captured global attention, another lesser-known aspect of his life was his deep passion for luxury cars. Throughout his illustrious career, Husain was not just an art connoisseur but also a collector of some of the world’s most coveted automobiles. Known for his eccentricity and often seen walking barefoot, Husain’s taste in automobiles was anything but modest. His collection was a reflection of his larger-than-life personality, filled with cars that symbolised speed, class, and exclusivity.
The Iconic Car Collection
Over the years, Husain accumulated some of the most luxurious and high-performance cars available. His collection included:
- Bentley – A symbol of British luxury, craftsmanship, and elegance.
- Two Jaguars – Known for their sleek design and powerful engines, Jaguars were a fitting match for Husain’s flamboyant style.
- Mercedes – Representing timeless elegance and engineering excellence.
- Ferrari – A brand synonymous with speed, power, and racing prowess, perfectly capturing Husain’s dynamic personality.
MF Husain posing with his Ferrari| Courtesy: Mazhar Faarooqui
- Rolls Royce – The ultimate luxury car, exuding refinement and prestige, fitting for one of India’s most respected artists.
- Bugatti Veyron – Perhaps the crown jewel of his collection, the Bugatti Veyron, valued at Rs 7.6 crore, is one of the most powerful and expensive cars ever made.
Barefoot Maestro and His Cars
It was quite the contrast—a man who often chose to walk barefoot, connected to the earth, owned some of the fastest and most luxurious cars in the world. Husain’s simplicity in his personal life, reflected in his preference for being without shoes, stood in sharp contrast to the opulence of his car collection. This paradox only added to the mystique surrounding him.
Legacy of Art and Automobiles
M.F. Husain’s life was a blend of creativity, controversy, and an insatiable passion for beauty in all its forms—whether it was through his paintbrush or his collection of luxury cars. His unique blend of humility and extravagance made him one of the most enigmatic figures in the art world. Even today, his legacy lives on, not just in his artworks but in the stories of his love for cars that reflected his powerful and bold personality.
Source: Economics Times
Feature Image: M F Husain first car painted Faridabad Haryana India Asia| courtesy: Alamy
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