India's most celebrated artist MF Husain has been offered Qatar nationality, according to a report in The Hindu.
The report said that Husain was “Honoured by Qatar nationality” but deeply saddened by his enforced exile and the need now to give up the citizenship of the land of his birth, which he has lovingly and secularly celebrated in his art covering a period of over seven decades.
Indian government does not allow dual citizenship, therefore, Husain will have to give up his Indian passport if he decides to take up Qatar citizenship.
The report also said that Husain did not apply for Qatar nationality and that it was conferred upon him at the instance of the modernising emirate’s ruling family.
The artist has been living in Dubai since the hate campaign against him started in India in 2006.