Krishen Khanna

Krishen Khanna (b.1925) was born in Lyallpur, in pre-Partition Punjab, Krishen Khanna moved to India in the aftermath of Partition and went on to become one of the country's most sensitive figurative painters.

His work, marked by expressive brushwork and a rich vibrant palette, reflects a deep engagement with the human condition, giving voice to marginalized lives like the bandwallas, migrant labourers, street vendors, while also drawing from mythological narratives and biblical allegories.

Khanna's long career has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Lalit Kala Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Lalit Kala Ratna, and Padma Bhushan. In 2025, Khanna stands as the last surviving member of the seminal Bombay Progressive Artists' Group. He lives and works in Gurugram.