Thota Vaikuntam, a celebrated Indian artist, was born in Burugupalli, Telangana. He began his formal artistic training at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad, and further refined his skills in painting and printmaking at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, studying under the eminent artist K.G. Subramanyan.

Vaikuntam’s artwork is a vibrant homage to the culture of Telangana, with a particular focus on its women. His subjects are the elegant, voluptuous women of Telangana, depicted in their traditional colorful sarees and adorned with vermilion bindis. Through bold brushstrokes and vivid hues, his paintings capture a dynamic energy reminiscent of Indian classical dance and temple sculptures.

The striking use of bright reds and yellows adds vitality to his compositions, elevating everyday women from Telangana into iconic, larger-than-life figures. Beyond painting, Vaikuntam has also contributed to Indian cinema as an art director, notably on films such as Daasi (1988) and Maa Bhoomi (1979), for which he received a National Award.