Indian man cycles from India to Sweden for love

Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is interested in documenting their beautiful love story

True love knows no boundaries, and this story of an Indian artist is the perfect example.

The real-life story dates back to 1975 when Dr Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia (known as PK) first came across the love of his life Charlotte Von Schedvin. Enchanted by this royal from Sweden, PK cycled his way across continents for a reunion.

Charlotte was visiting India as a tourist when she first spotted PK in Delhi's Connaught Place district, reports BBC. 

PHOTO: BBC

PK was a renowned sketch artist whose claim to fame was "making a portrait in 10 minutes". Despite his impeccable talent, he failed to impress Charlotte, not once but, twice.

It was then that the artist spoke his heart out on why he couldn't focus. PK revealed that he was bullied in school for belonging to a lower caste.



But his mother always had his back as she used to tell him that his horoscope suggests he would someday marry a woman "whose zodiac sign would be Taurus, she would come from a far away land, she would be musical and would own a jungle".

And when he met Charlotte, all the predictions seemed to be falling in place as she did own a forest and not only was she "musical", her zodiac sign was also Taurus.

PHOTO: BBC

"It was an inner voice that said to me that she was the one. During our first meeting we were drawn to each other like magnets. It was love at first sight," PK told the BBC.

This in turn led to a tea invite which the young lady couldn't refuse. "I thought he was honest and wanted to know why he had asked me those questions," said Charlotte.

The two then bonded well and also travelled together. They visited the famous Konark temple in PK's village Orissa, and fell in love during this time.

PHOTO: BBC

They got married according to tribal tradition upon their return to Delhi. But their heavenly reunion couldn't last longer as Charlotte -- who drove to India crossing Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan in 22 days -- had to return to her homeland.

But before kissing goodbye, she made her husband promise that he would follow her to her home in the Swedish textile town of Boras.



The couple remained in touch through letters for over a year before PK -- who couldn't afford a plane ticket -- sold all of his belongings to follow his wife on a bicycle along the same trail.

Art came to his rescue as he embarked on his journey in 1977. He made portraits and got money and even food and shelter in return.

Times were different in the 70s and PK was lucky to have not faced any visa issues in most of the countries. He finally reached Europe via Istanbul and Vienna, and then traveled to Gothenburg by train.

The artist was finally able to convince his better half's parents after several culture shocks. Following which, the two officially got married in Sweden.



"I had no idea about European culture. It was all new to me, but she supported me in every step. She is just a special person. I am still in love just as I was in 1975," said PK.

This love story, indeed, has all the elements of a perfect romantic film. Although, the Swedish government has already made films to honour their love story, Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has expressed his interest in documenting this iconic tale.

PHOTO: BBC

“I and my family members have met Mr Bhansali and he showed interest in making a film,” PK told Emirates 24/7.

Not only Bollywood, PK's historical journey may also make its way to Hollywood.

“There are many from Hollywood, European film academy and Nordic film who have also shown their interest. But we have decided not to give film rights to any country and any party. We are thinking of a global collaboration to make this film. You will know more after the English book is published this year,” he added.

PHOTO: BBC

The 64-year-old currently lives in Sweden with Charlotte and their two children. He continued to work as an artist and also serves as an advisor (art and culture) to the Swedish government.