Mancheshaw Fakirji Pithawala was a noted portraitist of the early period of modern Indian art. Born in a village in Surat, he trained at Sir J.J. School of Art as a student of John Griffiths between 1888 - 1896. Winner of several awards, Pithawala portrayed with flair the character of his subjects. His subjects were posed naturally and his handling of drapes was animated.

In 1911, he held a one-man show in London, a rare event in those days. He was particularly adept at portraying members of his own Parsi community. He was a member of Bombay Art Society.