A few weeks back I attended a two day Course/programme on "History of Indian Art & Culture" organised by Mr. Benoy Behl at the India Habitat Center, New Delhi. I had attended the same course/programme a couple of years back and wanted to refresh and improve my understanding.
Frankly I was disappointed at the end of the course. Mr. Behl seemed to be having health problems. But what surprised me was the lopsided selection of topics and periods. He spoke mainly about Hinduism & Budhism and their impressive influence in Japan.
When we were nearing the end I politely asked him that one hoped that he would also enlighten us about Mughal/Muslim art in India. He gave a vague inaudible reply. But he never mentioned a word about art and culture during Mughal times in India. I think this was not doing justice to the tittle of the Course.
Let me narrate an interesting anecdote about the course.
On first day, I looked around at the other participants to see if any known person was there. There was none. However there was one tall handsome gentleman who was taking notes and asking very pertinent and intelligent questions. At the end of the first session I sheepishly told him that he looked extremely familiar but I was unable to place him. He smiled good-natured way and told me that he was from the film industry. Sorry Sir, I persisted awkwardly, I am unable to remember your name, and added, because of my old age. He smiled again and said softly 'Adil Hussain'. And then the penny dropped.
I requested him for a selfie and here we are:
P.S. I recently saw the film "Ulajh"in which Mr. Adil Hussain gives an impressive performance as a distinguished officer and father of the lady Foreign Service Officer.
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