A milestone in Gulshan's career

It is no ordinary feat to be recognised by the awe-inspiring Lata Mangeshkar, yet Gulshan Hossain lives to tell the tale no less than seven times. Her last visit at the legendary musician's residence was only last month, where she presented a painting to be displayed at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center in Pune.

“Last year, when I visited Lata ji, I asked her what I should bring back from Bangladesh on my next visit,” Gulshan recalls. “At first she was modest and hesitant, but after much pressing she finally asked me to do a painting for her late father's hospital in Pune. I was greatly honoured by her request and started working on it right away.”

Gulshan Hossain reached Mumbai on May 7 to present the work of art. The piece, titled “Still Life in Blue” or “Niler Shomonnoy” is an oil and acrylic painting on a 92 X 76cm canvas. “Due to her poor health, she was not able to meet us until before our departure. We presented the painting to her secretary at her residence,” said the artist.

Currently four paintings done by Gulshan Hossain are on display at Lata Mangeshkar's home. “I am the only artist from the subcontinent whose works have found a place in her home, and that is an honour far too great for me to put into words,” she said.

At present the artist is busy with further artistic ventures, with possibility of an exhibition to be held in Kuwait next year.