Thota Vaikuntam: A grocery shop owner's son from a village who became one of India's most celebrated artists; his paintings are hung from National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi to Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts

From a humble grocery shop in a Telangana village, Thota Vaikuntam's artistic journey blossomed. Despite early doubts, his dedication led him to international acclaim. Inspired by his mother and the women of his village, his distinctive paintings, featuring dusky-toned figures adorned with traditional elements, now grace museums worldwide. His unwavering commitment to his craft continues even in his eighties.