Odisha Man’s Bicycle Love Story Wins Priyanka Chopra’s Heart

In a tale that feels more like cinema than reality, Odisha-born artist Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia cycled nearly 6,000 miles from India to Sweden in the 1970s to reunite with his beloved Lotta von Schedvin, a Swedish tourist he met while sketching portraits in Delhi.

Their extraordinary romance is now the subject of a documentary, The Cycle of Love, executive-produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and directed by Oscar-winning Orlando von Einsiedel.

The film blends dramatised sequences with real interviews, starring Chirag Benedict Lobo and Mina Dale as the young couple. It premieres in New York on August 28, 2026, followed by a UK release in September.

Priyanka described the story as “one of those rare, almost unbelievable true stories” that celebrates resilience and hope.

Beyond his love story, Mahanandia is celebrated for his art and activism. Born in Kandhapadar village, he studied at Khallikote’s Government College of Art and Crafts and created works like Mango Tree of Life and Pollution.

He has also been a strong advocate for Dalit rights, using his platform to challenge caste discrimination.

The documentary not only immortalises his epic journey but also shines a global spotlight on Odisha’s cultural heritage, inspiring audiences with a message of courage, love, and determination.