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Documentary sheds light on life of British-Indian artist
The 93-minute film traces Mohanti’s journey from a small village in Odisha to international acclaim in the art world.
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Prafulla Mohanti / shunyathefilm.com
London-based filmmaker Soumya Jyoti Pratihari’s latest documentary, Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti, presents a portrait of renowned British-Indian artist and author Prafulla Mohanti.
The 93-minute film, produced by Pradipta Das, traces Mohanti’s journey from a small village in Odisha to international acclaim in the art world.
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Born in 1934 in the riverside village of Nanpur in Odisha’s Jajpur district, Mohanti’s journey led him from rural India to the heart of London. After studying architecture at Mumbai’s J.J. School of Art, he relocated to England, where he initially worked as an architect. Facing racial discrimination, he moved to Leeds for further studies in town planning.
It was in Leeds that he found solace in painting, using vibrant colors to counteract the grey urban landscape. His talent gained recognition, with Leeds Art Gallery exhibiting and acquiring his work, marking the beginning of his prominence in the British art world.
Returning to London, Mohanti worked for the Greater London Council before a traumatic racist attack prompted him to leave his job and dedicate himself fully to painting and writing. His work, deeply rooted in the concept of "Shunya" (zero) and cosmic energy, has been showcased in over 60 exhibitions worldwide. Beyond painting, he has authored books such as My Village, My Life and Changing Life and Indian Village Tales, which provide authentic narratives of rural Indian life.
The documentary captures Mohanti’s enduring connection to his homeland. Despite his international success, he spends five months each year in Nanpur, supporting village development and fostering creativity among children and women. Following the passing of his partner, Derek Moore, in 2011, Mohanti initiated an annual creativity festival in Nanpur to honor his memory.
Featuring interviews with prominent figures, including sculptor Richard Long, writer Jeremy Seabrook, journalist Rahul Singh, and painter Jatin Das, the documentary highlights Mohanti’s artistic journey, personal struggles, and lasting contributions.
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