Rajnesh Domalpalli, Film maker

From http://vanajathefilm.com/filmmakers.html

After completing his B. Tech in EE from the IIT Mumbai in 1984 and an MS from SUNY, SB in 1986 he worked as a Computer Engineer in California’s Silicon Valley before deciding to take up Film at Columbia University in New York and graduating with an MFA in 2006.

“Vanaja” is not only his first Feature but also his Thesis at Columbia. Rajnesh loves writing, and feels that it is the greatest challenge in making a good film. While at the IIT, he had dabbled in penning short stories during his spare time, and one of these, “The Dowry” was eventually picked up and broadcast by BBC’s World Service in Sept 1984 and Aug 1989. College was also where he was introduced to South Indian classical music on the veena, before following it up with several years of training in the vocal tradition.

From http://www.desiclub.com/bollywood/bollywood_features/bolly_article.cfm?id=288

"I knew that I lacked the experience to get into a good Film School. So I began by taking courses at a local community college - classes ranging from Writing, Photography, Art History and Visual Design to Voice Control and the basics of Acting. I never expected to get into Columbia, but when I did, I think it brought both concern and jubilation in equal measure to my family. But when they realized that my heart was set, they supported me through and through."

"Even while at IIT, I used to write Short Stories, learn Carnatic music and dabble in the visual medium - all fundamental aspects of Filmmaking. When BBC broadcast one of my Short Stories "The Dowry" in 1984, I felt the first twinge of a pull towards the "Creative Arts". But giving up a career that I was working on so hard for, wasn't easy. I think it was only in Cameroon, working as a volunteer for the World Wildlife Fund, that I decided to make the switch. Somehow, the raw experience of African culture, its wildlife, its landscapes and its people, triggered an awakening and a realization of what the world had to offer if I decided to step outside the realm of my computer."