Hussain, 95, often called the Picasso of India, has been living in self-imposed exile in Dubai and London since 2006.
“He has accepted Qatar’s offer for citizenship and the formalities are under process,” the Hindu newspaper quoted the artist’s son Owais Husain as saying.
India does not accept dual citizenship and Husain would have to give up Indian citizenship if he accepts Qatar’s offer.
Asked whether his father could change his mind, Owais Husain said, “I don’t know. These are all decisions that he takes on his own, which we respectfully accept.” He said his father remained strongly rooted in India.
“You can take him to any part of the world, but he would still remain an Indian personality,” Owais Husain said.
The Hindu newspaper earlier reporting Qatar’s offer of honorary citizenship said it was an honor for Husain’s artistic genius, but “a sad day” for India.
