"Death is not something you would associate with Hussain Saab. He was so full of life. I think all of us should celebrate his life," says actor Dalip Tahil who spent time with the iconoclast painter just last week in London
"Death is not something you would associate with Hussain Saab. He was so full of life. I think all of us should celebrate his life," says actor Dalip Tahil who spent time with the iconoclast painter just last week in London. As the world reacts on MF Hussain's death, Dalip shares his memories of the great painter, whom he got to know pretty closely in the last seven-eight years: 
Who: Dalip Tahil
What: Shares his memories of the late MF Hussain
Where: At his Bandra residence
The last meeting
Hussain Saab was a very down to earth person with a child-like quality in him. At 93, his energy and enthusiasm for life was to be seen to be believed. A week before, when I was in London, I went to meet him as my friend Akbar Asif told me that he was a little unwell. We had lunch together and watched the Manchester United Vs Barcelona match, the finals of the Champions League. Hussain Saab loved soccer. But he didn't support teams, he only supported individual players. Lionel Messi was his favourite soccer player. That day he also told us that according to the Islamic calendar, he was already 100 years old.
First impressions
I first met Hussain Saab when I was a college student. His daughter Raisa was my friend. She introduced me to him at her home. I was blown away at the first sight of him. It was the 70s, the era of rock-and-roll and hippie culture. There he was with his long hair, walking around bare feet, looking like an absolute rock star. He was just like the image he projectedu00a0-- bohemian, carefree and mystical. Thereafter, I started attending his shows just to get a glimpse of him. I remember taking his autograph once. His warmth, charm and free spirit used to wow everyone around him. He was a man who lived life on his own terms till the day he died. I remember his walks on London streets or the sight of him stepping into his black Rolls Royce Phantom. I feel privileged to have known him.
Mad about Madhuri
In mid-2000, I had gone to London for my show Bombay Dreams. I met him there after 30 long years. After I finished my salaams, I reintroduced myself to him. He said he recognised me and had seen many of my films. Then, he pointed his long chadi at me and said, "I didn't like the way you treated Madhuri (Dixit) in Raja. You beat her up badly and pulled her by the hair." Though he mentioned it lightly, you could see the passion in his eyes. He was actually disturbed by what he saw. I told him that it was only on screen and that I was very fond of Madhuri in real life. Then I went down on my knees and said,"Hussain Saab, please tell me the names of the actresses you want to paint, I will send them flowers and chocolates." He laughed alound. You see, he had a rather wicked sense of humour!
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