M.F. Husain, often called the "Picasso of India," was a monumental figure who redefined modern Indian art on the global stage. Born in 1915 in Pandharpur, he began his creative journey in Mumbai, where he earned a living painting massive cinema billboards and designing wooden toys. These early experiences influenced his later style, characterized by bold, sweeping lines and vibrant colors that captured the high energy of Indian life.

In 1947, Husain became a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group in Bombay, a movement that sought to break away from traditional styles and embrace a new, international language for Indian art. His work was incredibly diverse, spanning series on the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the British Raj, as well as portraits of figures like Mother Teresa and Bollywood icons. He was particularly famous for his depiction of horses, using a style influenced by Cubism to portray them with raw power and grace.