Laxman Aelay, an esteemed artist based in Hyderabad, India, was born in 1965 in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh. His art, often described as nostalgic, draws inspiration from the inhabitants of his ancestral village, Kadirenigudem, in Telangana. Despite holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Aelay pursued a BA in Painting from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Fine Arts, reflecting his artistic passion.

Aelay's career trajectory began with signboard painting, progressing to book design and illustration, earning him high regard in the Telugu literary circle. His artistic style, characterized by constant innovation, has seen a shift from large-scale works to smaller formats, and back to large-scale in his recent series. His popularity soared with his distinctive black, white, and grey compositions set against vibrant backgrounds. His 'Song of the Village' series showcased realistic, colourful depictions of people against textured backgrounds, with an emphasis on detailing in traditional attire, jewellery, and flowers.

Aelay held his debut solo show in 1999 at the Indian Council of Cultural Relations Art Gallery in Hyderabad. He was honoured with an award from the Hyderabad Art Society in 1995 and has participated in numerous significant exhibitions, including representing India at an international exposition by TAANA in Chicago, USA. In 2014, he designed the logo for the newly formed state of Telangana, a testament to his national and international recognition.