In 1975, Charlotte Von Schedvin, a woman from Sweden, traveled to Delhi, India to meet a young and aspiring artist named PK Mahanandia. She had heard about his artistic talent and was intrigued, deciding to have her portrait made by him. Little did they know that their meeting would change their lives forever.
As Mahanandia worked on capturing Charlotte’s likeness in his art, a deep connection formed between them. They fell in love, with Mahanandia admiring Charlotte’s beauty, and Charlotte drawn to Mahanandia’s simplicity and charm. When the time came for Charlotte to return to Sweden, the couple made the life-changing decision to get married. In an interview with BBC, Mahanandia shared how Charlotte impressed his father by wearing a sari during their first meeting, and with blessings from his family, they tied the knot following tribal traditions.
Although Charlotte wished for her husband to accompany her back to Sweden, Mahanandia needed to complete his studies first. They made a promise that he would join her in the Swedish textile town of Boras once he finished his education. Despite the physical distance between them, they maintained their connection through heartfelt letters.
A year later, when Mahanandia was ready to visit Charlotte, he realized he didn’t have enough money to buy an air ticket. Undeterred by the financial constraints, he made a courageous decision – he sold all his belongings and purchased a bicycle. Embarking on an epic journey, he cycled across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey over four challenging months. His bicycle broke down multiple times, and he faced hunger and hardships along the way. However, his determination remained unshaken.
Starting his journey on January 22, 1977, Mahanandia covered around 70 kilometers per day. During his travels, he used his artistic skills to support himself. He painted portraits of people he encountered, receiving money, food, and shelter in return. On May 28, he finally reached Europe, passing through Istanbul and Vienna before arriving in Gothenburg by train.
Upon his arrival, Mahanandia and Charlotte officially got married in Sweden. Adjusting to a new culture and way of life was challenging for Mahanandia, but Charlotte supported him every step of the way. Their love remained strong, and Mahanandia expressed his continued devotion to her, stating that he is still in love with her just as he was in 1975.
Today, the couple resides in Sweden, where they have built a life together with their two children. Mahanandia continues his artistic pursuits, using his talents to create meaningful works. Their extraordinary love story is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles to be with the person you cherish.
