Coimbatore: Renowned painter and one of the most versatile and prolific artists of modern age, Akbar Padamsee died at the Isha Yoga Centre (IYC) near here late Monday night. He was 91. 

He died of natural causes due to ageing, IYC said. In his tribute, IYC Founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev tweeted “Akbar Padamsee, a genius of colour and craft, it has been our fortune to have you spend the last part of your life with us at Isha Yoga Centre. Generations to come shall relish and be inspired by your magic of colour.” His last rites were performed at Isha Yoga Centre on Monday.

Akbar Padamsee was considered a radical painter, but he was also a photographer, sculptor, film-maker, engraver and lithographer. His paintings have found place in all the important museums and art galleries in India and around the world.

The famous filmmaker and advertising wizard of Mumbai, Alyque Padamsee was his brother. He was born into a Muslim family, but followed a free spirited outlook reflected in the themes he had chosen in all his works.

Akbar Padamsee was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010 apart from being honoured with many awards and recognitions by global art bodies. Interestingly, his family took on the name “Padamsee” when his grandfather earned the title “Padmashree” after he distributed his entire granary to his village in Kutch, Gujarat, during a famine.