Though widely spoken of as a modernist, Akbar Padamsee continued to resist easy categorization. Throughout his illustrious career spanning almost seven decades, he had remained fiercely experimental, individualistic, and original. Born in Mumbai on April 12, 1928, Padamsee has been referred to as an intellectual artist, inspired by formal conundrums and conceptual schemes. He had always been interested in the science of art, always investigating. From an early age, Padamsee had been attracted to colorful pictures, whether they were gaudy depictions of Hindu divinities with many arms and weird body colors or solemn portrayals of Jesus Christ that hung in classrooms at his school. An aloof, self-absorbed, precocious child, Akbar turned to books and to draw to amuse himself. When he grew older, he wanted to learn painting and joined the Sir J.J. School of Art in 1951.

By the time he graduated from the institution, he knew that he wanted to become an artist. His decision caused consternation among his family members; they were at a loss to understand why he was eager to lead the life of an artist with all its uncertainties instead of involving himself in the flourishing family business. Akbar’s future was settled by the Aga Khan – the religious and spiritual head of the Khoja Muslim community to which Akbar’s family belonged – who, at that time, was visiting India. The Aga Khan not only endorsed Akbar’s desire to specialize in art but also suggested he should go to Paris for further studies. The Aga Khan’s approval and blessings, in effect, sealed Akbar’s destiny.