MUMBAI: If M.F. Husain hasn't exhibited `Gaja Gamini' at public screenings on homeground yet, it's because he plans to undrape her globally at multi-media cultural events. Come September 8 and his two-hour celluloid ode to Madhuri Dixit will be premiered at Berlin's film museum under the auspices of the Fine Art Resource centre. The event is scheduled to be inaugurated by maestro Zubin Mehta.

As excited as a kid with a cherry-hued balloon, the 80-plus artist exults, ``It was at the Berlin film festival that my documentary, `Through the Eyes of a Painter', won the Golden Bear award back in 1967. So, in a way the premiere will be like the return of the native.''

Besides the film itself, Husain will also display a fresh batch of paintings, specially designed `GG' jewellery, a video feature of Ms Dixit sashaying through the Louvre in the garb of Mona Lisa, designer posters, hoardings, books, blow-ups of still photographs, limited editions of his film script, assorted memorabilia and `Genesis', a tongue-in-chic, behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the movie.

`GG' toys, Gamini pens, paint-brushes and limited editions of prints on silk screen will also be on display.

Just back from a preparatory visit to Berlin, Husain reveals that he worked day and night there for 10 days to complete 14 huge artworks in water colour and Chinese ink, the paintings covering his pet subjects ranging from Gautam Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa to mais oui, Ms Dixit, vivifying various facets of Indian womanhood as he sees it.

In all, 30 new Husain paintings will be showcased at the museum.

About Berlin, he rhapsodises, ``It was the first time I went there after the Wall came down. Now the city looks even more beautiful than it ever did, like a woman whose chains have been unshackled.''

A similar event is under discussion with New York's Lincoln Center.

But what about the film's fate in India? ``Oh,'' the painter pauses and adds, ``I've been trying to work out something in Mumbai, the other metros, as well as small towns and villages. In Mumbai, I'd like to have the exhibition of `Gaja Gamini' material at the National Gallery of Modern Art and a screening at the Regal cinema which is just bang opposite the museum. In the villages, the event will be like a mela, where everyone can see the film for free.''

Husain adds that film-maker Yash Chopra has expressed an interest in making the film accessible to its potential niche audience. ``Some day soon, it'll be shown on satellite channels and should also be available on videotapes and DVDs,'' he beams. ``I'm making every possible effort to ensure that my film doesn't languish in the cans.''

He continues, ``I'm not interested in making money for myself. Even if I have sponsored screenings abroad, let's say accompanied by a dinner soiree in New York, I intend to donate the proceedings for the welfare of the girl child.''

Hmmmm. Is there life after `Gaja Gamini' then? How long will he stay with it? ``Forever, of course,'' he laughs. ``But I'd like to start on a mammoth 1,000-foot-long canvas. I also want to release my autobiography in various languages and..who knows?..make another movie.''