Born in 1939 in Gujarat, Manu Parekh studied drawing and painting at the Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, completing his diploma in 1962. His practice evolved from an early engagement with the relationship between man and nature into a powerful, emotionally charged language shaped by contradictions, organic forms, and an intense, often volatile use of colour and line. Best known for his Banaras series and socially responsive works such as his paintings on the Bhagalpur blindings, Parekh combines abstraction and figuration to address spirituality, sexuality, human suffering, and lived experience. He has been honoured with the President of India's Silver Plaque, the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Award, the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award, and the Padma Shri, and his works feature in major public and private collections and at international auctions. Parekh lives and works in New Delhi, where he continues his practice alongside fellow artist and wife, Madhvi Parekh.