The artist in Central Park: PK Mahanandia’s Connaught Place legacy

In the 1970s, beneath the iconic fountain in Central Park, Connaught Place, a young artist with a thick moustache worked tirelessly, creating portraits that captured the essence of his subjects. With just two chairs — one for himself and one for his clients — PK Mahanandia brought life and soul to his sketches. His pencil danced swiftly across the paper, transforming fleeting moments into timeless art. For his remarkable work, he charged Rs 5, but for children and students, he happily accepted Rs 2.

For a couple of years, visitors to Central Park made it a ritual to either sit for a portrait or watch him weave his magic. As the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) prepares to revive the musical fountain in Central Park, memories of the old fountain and this talented artist come flooding back.

Vision of Connaught Place

Nearly 90 years ago, architect Robert Tor Russell designed Connaught Place with a vision of grandeur and accessibility. At its heart, he envisioned a spacious park where visitors could relax after shopping. Alongside the bustling marketplace, Russell’s Central Park came to life, complete with a majestic fountain. This fountain stood as a landmark until it was dismantled to make way for the Rajiv Chowk Metro station. For Delhiites who grew up in the 1970s, the fountain and the artist who worked beneath it remain cherished memories.

Pradip Kumar Mahanandia, fondly known as PK, was born in 1949 in Odisha. After completing his schooling, he moved to Delhi to pursue his passion for art at the Delhi College of Art. Upon graduating, he began freelancing in the capital. His talent soon caught attention. The late Madan Thapliyal, former Director (Media) of NDMC, once said that PK was granted permission to work in Central Park after creating stunning portraits of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at an event. Impressed by his artistry, the NDMC allowed him to set up under the fountain.

A rising star

Sandy Garg, a South Delhi businessman who knew PK, recalled his journey: “He joined the Delhi College of Art in 1971. By day, he studied; by evening, he painted portraits to earn a living. His art quickly gained recognition.” When Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova visited Delhi, PK sketched her portrait in minutes. Impressed, she invited him to an event where he created ten portraits and appeared on television. His fame soared after he painted Indira Gandhi’s portrait, making him an overnight sensation in Delhi.

This newfound recognition came with responsibility. Initially, officials denied PK permission to work at Central Park, but citing his portrait of Indira Gandhi, he secured their approval. Every evening, he set up under the fountain, painting portraits for tourists and locals for Rs 50. His fingers worked magic, bringing faces to life in just ten minutes.

Love that changed all

In 1975, fate introduced PK to Charlotte Von Schedvin, a Swedish student visiting Connaught Place. Drawn to the artist renowned for his magical portraits, Charlotte’s blue eyes, golden hair, and warm smile captivated PK as he painted her. Their conversation flowed effortlessly — she spoke of her love for Indian culture, and he shared his journey from a village in Odisha to Delhi’s vibrant streets.

Love blossomed as they talked. Charlotte, from a noble Swedish family, embraced Indian traditions, wearing sarees, visiting temples, and exploring Nizamuddin Dargah with PK. Their bond transcended barriers of caste, religion, and wealth. They married in a simple ceremony at the Arya Samaj Temple on Hanuman Road. When Charlotte returned to Sweden, she reportedly said, “Come to me when you succeed.”

PK promised, but the distance was agonising, softened only by their heartfelt letters.

The bicycle journey

Determined to reunite with Charlotte, PK held art exhibitions to sustain himself, but her memory lingered. In 1976, with no money for planes or trains, he bought a second-hand bicycle for Rs 200. On January 22, 1977, he embarked on an extraordinary journey — cycling over 7,000 kilometres from Delhi to Gothenburg, Sweden, across eight countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Germany, Austria, and Denmark.

“I pedalled 44 kilometres daily, painting portraits for food and shelter,” PK recalled in an interview. The journey was gruelling, with cold rains and harsh deserts testing his resolve. Yet strangers’ kindness sustained him — a truck driver in Iran, a Turkish family, and Yugoslavian soldiers moved by his story. After four months and three weeks, PK arrived in Gothenburg in May 1977. Charlotte awaited him, tears in her eyes. Their embrace became legendary, earning him the title of the “bicycle lover” as his story captivated the world.

Love and legacy

After their reunion, PK and Charlotte built a life together in Sweden, raising two daughters, Mamta and Indira. In 2012, Utkal University of Culture in Bhubaneswar honoured PK with an honorary doctorate. Though settled in Sweden, he remains deeply connected to his roots, saying, “I’m Odisha’s son; my roots are there.”

Also Read: From Sarojini Nagar to Yamuna Ghats: Chhath’s journey in Delhi

In 2025, as Connaught Place’s Central Park prepares to welcome a new musical fountain, PK Mahanandia’s story continues to inspire. His journey — from a humble artist under the fountain to a global symbol of love and determination — proves that true love knows no bounds. Central Park stands as a silent witness to his extraordinary tale.