A day before the art biennale, artist Riyas Komu escaped to the hills. Two years ago, his paintings were at the world’s biggest art extravaganza. This year, he just wanted to get away, anywhere but Venice
MJ Akbar is a member of Rajya Sabha and the author of several books, including Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar: Racism and Revenge in the British Raj