Naked inspiration...

One of India’s finest actors, Irrfan Khan, has landed a role in yet another Hollywood film which could well restart the debate surrounding depiction of nudity in art and photography — and also reignite the controversy that has bedevilled MF Husain and Raghu Rai.

“The movie, Behind the Bodice, is actually based on a short story by Mahasweta Devi but there are instances quite similar to those faced by Husain and Raghu Rai. Some of it may be purely coincidental, but the director of the film, Italo Spinelli, is very close to Raghu Rai and has studied his life and works,” Irrfan told DNA.

Irrfan says the film will attempt to show the hypocrisy practised by society when it comes to nudism in art. “We are all fascinated by the human body — it is beautifully made by God — but when someone shows it through art, people take offense,” he points out.

Irrfan plans to visit Raghu to get into the skin of his character. “I will be doing some homework in photography. I will also visit Raghu to see his work and draw observations for my research,”  says the actor.

Meanwhile Raghu is more than aware that the film is loosely inspired by his own life. “Italo is a good friend. He was quite fascinated by my work in Rocks, Clouds and Nudes and knows my style.

He also knows about the trouble I went through when a publication printed nude photos from my series,” said Raghu, adding that he’d be more than happy to help Irrfan with his preparation. “Irrfan is doing a good job as an actor and I’ll help in every way to bring the right expression to this experimental film,” declared Rai.