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] and the Telugu journal Visalandhra,.[5]
Anil C. S. Rao attended the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, a private college-preparatory school in Baltimore, during his early education.[6]
Rao studied engineering at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he completed his engineering degree. After graduating, he worked professionally as an engineer for approximately a decade in various technical roles. According to a 2009 profile in the Montgomery County Gazette, Rao earned his engineering degree from Pratt and spent around twelve years working in the field before resigning as a traffic signal system engineer for the City of Alexandria in 2003 to pursue art and writing. [7]
Rao earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from National University in 2014.[8]
He is also the grandson of Indian historian and writer C.V.H. Rao, author of Civil Disobedience Movements in India.[9]
Career
Rao began his career in 1981 as an apprentice at BR Films in Mumbai, working on the production of the feature film Nikaah.[10]
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.[3][5]
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.[1]
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 [Unpublished thesis — circulated in excerpt form].[5]
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