Bright Lights Big Buddha, Vizag Blue, Bharathi: Her Theory of Everything
Anil C.S. Rao is an American writer, artist, and comic book creator. He is the author of several novels and a graphic novel, most notably Bright Lights Big Buddha, which has appeared in multiple editions since 2014.[1] His work and artistic influences have been profiled in the Baltimore Post-Examiner,[2]India Abroad,[3]The Hindu Metro Plus,[4] the Telugu journal Visalandhra,[5] and Deccan Herald, where he reflected that his “love for art has never ended and continues to shape every project I take on.”[6]
Rao earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from National University in 2014.[7]
He is also the grandson of Indian historian and writer C.V.H. Rao, author of Civil Disobedience Movements in India.[8]
Career
Rao began his career in 1981 as an apprentice at BR Films in Mumbai, working on the production of the feature film Nikaah.[9]
He later developed a body of fiction, graphic novels, and digital art. His novels and artwork have been noted in the press for their blending of South Asian cultural themes with contemporary Western settings.[10][5]
In addition to literary reviews, Deccan Herald profiled him in 2023, highlighting how his lifelong passion for art continues to influence his writing and digital design.[6]
According to a 2023 article in the Baltimore Post-Examiner, Rao described how viewing Jean-Jacques Beineix’s Diva at the Charles Theater in Baltimore was a major influence in his artistic development.[2]
Published works
Bright Lights Big Buddha (graphic novel, multiple revised editions, 2014–2023). Independently published. ISBN 9798389202382.[11]
Vizag Blue (graphic novel). Independently published. ISBN 9798218109327.[5]
Bharathi: Her Theory of Everything (novella and MFA thesis work). National University, 2014. [Unpublished thesis — circulated in excerpt form].[5]
↑ Rao, Anil C.S. (2023). Bright Lights Big Buddha: A Graphic Novel. Ind. ISBN9798389202382.
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