Fled India in 2006 after his painting "Bharatmata", depicting Mother India as a nude woman, earned him death threats from Hindu extremists.
His artistic talent was first noticed in childhood when his family saw how easily he mastered Arabic calligraphy. He sold his schoolbooks to buy art supplies, and loved painting landscapes.
When he was 18, he went to Mumbai (then Bombay) to pursue a career in film-making. But his first job was painting movie signboards. This experience helped him when he began creating murals and other large works.
After India gained independence, he joined the Progressive Artist's Group, which sought to break away from traditional forms of content and technique.
Nothing is stopping me [from returning to India]; I can return tomorrow. But please know I remain an Indian painter whether I am painting in Paris, London, New York, or Qatar. (on his self-imposed exile)