London:
When top-ranking Indian artist Subodh Gupta's exhibition opened at London's prestigious Hauser & Wirth galleries last week, it drew the who's who of the social circuit.
MF Husain and London Mayor Boris Johnson were just a couple of the ecstatic guests.
Among those who attended the launch were the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan's wife Gauri Khan.
Maestro M. F. Husain said: "It's wonderful that Indian artists are doing so well in London... In 1953 it was difficult to get through art gallery doors... people would say we're not interested..."
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "It's a great moment that two leading Indian artists are getting such major shows in London... Anish Kapoor at the Royal Academy across the street and Subodh Gupta here...It shows India's importance in the world of contemporary art but also London's importance as a world capital of art & culture...."
Subodh Gupta's long journey from Patna to the peaks of the international art world hit a new high with the opening of his show titled "Aam Aadmi" in London.
Gauri Khan said she hoped Subodh Gupta would consider making a work for their renovated home.
Known for his sculpture and installations made from shiny stainless steel utensils, Subodh Gupta's latest show is a departure and full of references to Western art, such as an audacious take on Marcel Duchamp's defaced poster of the Mona Lisa, which he's cast in bronze. London's Mayor Boris Johnson found it irresistible.
Subodh Gupta's launch, on in London till the end of October, was followed by a party attended by more than 300 people.