Born in February 1967, Ajay De grew up in a small Kolkata suburb. After completing his official art education at Government College of Arts and Crafts, he continued his studies at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. His first group show was in Delhi, and his first solo show was in Kolkata. Japanese calligraphy and the striking black-and-white paintings of the masters had a significant influence. The image of the toiling rickshaw puller, unseen and unidentified as he passes through the congested, winding streets of Kolkata, carrying a man or load in the heat, rain, and wind at the speed of the wind and remaining silent save for the ringing of his bells, has become incredibly popular in Kolkata.