Bhupen Khakhar (1934-2003) was born in Mumbai and initially trained as a chartered accountant before turning to art. Largely self-taught, he became associated with the Baroda group and was closely linked to the Faculty of Fine Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, where he developed his distinctive narrative style.

Khakhar’s work is known for its direct, often playful engagement with everyday life, rendered through flat planes of colour and a deliberately naïve aesthetic. His paintings frequently depict ordinary individuals, barbers, clerks, tradesmen, while also addressing themes of identity, intimacy, and desire with unusual candour.

He is regarded as a pioneering figure in Indian contemporary art, particularly for bringing personal narrative and queer identity into the visual discourse with openness and sensitivity.