Docu captures life of British-Indian artist Prafulla Mohanti | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: A new 93-minute documentary, “Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti,” offers an intimate portrayal of the life and artistic journey of 91-year-old British-Indian artist and author Prafulla Mohanti. Directed by London-based filmmaker Soumya Jyoti Pratihari and produced by Pradipta Das, the film explores the remarkable story of an artist who bridged two cultures through his work.
Born in 1934 in the riverside village of Nanpur, Jajpur district, Mohanti’s journey took him from rural Odisha to the heart of London. After studying architecture at Mumbai’s J.J. School of Art, he moved to England, where he initially worked as an architect before facing subtle racism that prompted his relocation to Leeds for town planning studies.
“It’s not just the story about an Odia who lives in London, or just a famous artist. His life is an example of just being a village boy, no matter where you are,” says director Pratihari, who spent four years shooting the documentary across England, Nanpur, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai.
The film showcases Mohanti’s evolution as an artist, his deep connection with his native village, and his significant contributions to both Indian and British art scenes. His works, inspired by the concept of “Shunya” (zero) and cosmic energy, have been exhibited in over 60 shows worldwide.
In 2022, Mohanti received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed upon non-Indian literary figures. His books, including “My Village, My Life” and “Changing Life and Indian Village Tales”, have garnered international acclaim for their authentic portrayal of rural Indian life.
The documentary features interviews with notable personalities, including sculptor Richard Long, journalist Rahul Singh, painter Jatin Das, and writer Jeremy Seabrook. It also touches upon Mohanti’s profound friendship with Derek Moore, a lawyer, whose death in 2011 inspired an annual creativity festival in Nanpur.
Despite his international success, Mohanti maintains strong ties with his roots, spending five months annually in Nanpur where he continues to contribute to village development. His London home at 20 Sussex Road has become a cultural hub for Indian artists and writers.
“My painting is rooted in my village culture,” says Mohanti in the film, explaining how his artistic journey began with drawing three circles on mud floors, representing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
The documentary, recently screened in Nanpur village, stands as a testament to artistic resilience, cultural preservation, and the enduring power of roots in shaping creative expression.
Born in 1934 in the riverside village of Nanpur, Jajpur district, Mohanti’s journey took him from rural Odisha to the heart of London. After studying architecture at Mumbai’s J.J. School of Art, he moved to England, where he initially worked as an architect before facing subtle racism that prompted his relocation to Leeds for town planning studies.
“It’s not just the story about an Odia who lives in London, or just a famous artist. His life is an example of just being a village boy, no matter where you are,” says director Pratihari, who spent four years shooting the documentary across England, Nanpur, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai.
The film showcases Mohanti’s evolution as an artist, his deep connection with his native village, and his significant contributions to both Indian and British art scenes. His works, inspired by the concept of “Shunya” (zero) and cosmic energy, have been exhibited in over 60 shows worldwide.
In 2022, Mohanti received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed upon non-Indian literary figures. His books, including “My Village, My Life” and “Changing Life and Indian Village Tales”, have garnered international acclaim for their authentic portrayal of rural Indian life.
The documentary features interviews with notable personalities, including sculptor Richard Long, journalist Rahul Singh, painter Jatin Das, and writer Jeremy Seabrook. It also touches upon Mohanti’s profound friendship with Derek Moore, a lawyer, whose death in 2011 inspired an annual creativity festival in Nanpur.
Despite his international success, Mohanti maintains strong ties with his roots, spending five months annually in Nanpur where he continues to contribute to village development. His London home at 20 Sussex Road has become a cultural hub for Indian artists and writers.
“My painting is rooted in my village culture,” says Mohanti in the film, explaining how his artistic journey began with drawing three circles on mud floors, representing the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
The documentary, recently screened in Nanpur village, stands as a testament to artistic resilience, cultural preservation, and the enduring power of roots in shaping creative expression.
