Manu Parekh was born in 1939 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In 1962 Manu received his Diploma in Drawing and Painting from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai.

He has had many solo exhibitions:
In 1970, 1978, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2009 and 2014 he had one person shows in Mumbai. In 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994 and 2004 he had solo exhibitions in New Delhi. In 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 1998 he had solo exhibitions in Kolkata. In 1984 he had a solo exhibition at Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata. In 1996 and 1997 he had solo exhibitions at Bose Pacia Modern, New York and ARKS Gallery, London. In 1999 he had solo exhibitions in Bangalore, Chandigarh and Chennai. From 1964 - 1985.

Manu has participated in many group shows:
In 1982 he participated in group shows at National Gallery of Modern Art; Hirshhorn Gallery, Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC and a travelling exhibition in Worpswede, Hamburg, Hanover, Brauschweig and Bayeuth. In 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Manu participated in various group shows in Mumbai. In 1993, 1997, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012 he took part in group shows in New Delhi. Manu has participated in group shows in Bangalore, Dubai and Kolkata. In 1995 he participated in a group show in Hong Kong. In 1997 he participated in a group exhibition at Topical Museum, Amsterdam. In 2001 he took part in group shows at Bose Pacia Modern, New York and at Indian Embassy, Berlin. In 2016 Manu was showcased as a part of a group show titled as, 'The Melting Pot' - 100 works by India's Leading Modern and Contemporary Artists at Gallery 7, Mumbai. In 1975, 1978 and 1981 Manu participated in the Third, Fourth and in the Fifth International Triennale at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. In 2011 he participated in Ethos V: Indian Art Through the Lens of History (1900 to 1980) in Singapore.

He has received several awards:
In 1972 and 1974 Manu received the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Awards, New Delhi. In 1982 he received the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. In 1992 he was conferred Padmashree by Government of India.

He lives and works in Ahmedabad.