Prafulla was born in Goa and trained in art at Mumbai's Sir J.J. School of Art, where she earned the Gold Medal in 1955 for her outstanding work. She went on to showcase her art in solo exhibitions and won a Silver Medal in portraiture at the Bombay Art Society. Her talent was soon recognized internationally, and the French government awarded her a scholarship to study graphic art at the École des Beaux-Arts and Atelier 17 in Paris. During her time in Paris, she held an exhibition in 1961 and went on to participate in shows across Hungary, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Japan, and France.

Known for her buoyant and luminous abstract works, Prafulla’s art creates a contemplative experience, where lines, colors, and volumes blend into meditative expanses. Her minimalist style reflects her views on nature and humanity, with palette knives and rollers used to create textured layers and bands that hint at the emotional depth within. Her work is known for its spontaneity and energy, capturing her vibrant spirit.

Prafulla's pieces have been widely exhibited across India and are part of major collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi, the Central Museum in Nagpur, and the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai. She held prominent roles in the art community, serving as President of the Bombay Art Society and Vice Chairman of the Artists' Center in Mumbai. She was also a committee member for Goa's Kala Akademi, President of the Art Society of India, and served on the Lalit Kala Akademi committee in New Delhi from 1974 to 1979.

Beyond painting, Prafulla was celebrated for her ceramic, wood, and glass murals, which grace prominent buildings throughout Mumbai. She was also deeply passionate about Indian classical music, which remained an important part of her life.