Lalu Prasad Shaw, born in 1937 in Suri, Bengal, is a celebrated figure in Indian modern art, known for his elegant style and refined visual language. From an early age, Shaw was drawn to the aesthetic richness of his surroundings. He frequented the local artisans' quarter known as poto para, where he was captivated, not by the painted idols, but by the decorative pats and chaalis that framed them. These early impressions would leave a lasting impact on his artistic sensibilities.

Shaw's art is deeply rooted in simplicity, spontaneity, and structure. As he modestly puts it, "I’m not an artist, but a painter." His process is intuitive yet meticulous, he begins with structure, followed by color, and concludes with refined finishing touches. His signature style draws inspiration from Bengal's traditional art forms, including Kalighat pats and miniature painting, reinterpreting them through a modern lens.

Over the decades, Shaw has developed a distinctive visual vocabulary, often portraying stylized, poised figures from the Bengali middle class, especially women, with calm grace and timeless elegance. His works balance tradition with modernity, restraint with sophistication, and continue to captivate collectors and critics alike.