Lalu Prasad Shaw was born in Bengal in 1937, and completed his education in fine arts at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Kolkata.

Shaw is known for his portraits of Bengali women and couples, laying most emphasis on their physical characteristics, adding an intimate feel to each of his paintings. His works are executed in gouache or tempera, like his own person, are simple and graceful, having a very still, well-composed and smooth exterior.

What is most appealing about his works is that they are simple, yet sophisticated. Inspired by nature and the great Bengali middle class, the artist depicts pleasant and quiet scenes from his own life on his canvases and papers.