Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash: The fastest human calculator is on a mission to eradicate math phobia
Compiled by: Amrita Priya
(May 3, 2023) In 2020, a 20-year-old Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash broke human computer Shakuntala Devi’s record when he won India’s first ever gold medal at the Mental Calculation World Championship held in London. He wasn’t just the first Indian but also the first Asian to claim a gold and the BBC went on to report, “You could say Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is to maths what Usain Bolt is to running.”
This was his competition debut and Neelakantha managed to defeat 29 opponents from 13 countries. He was so fast that judges made him jump through more hoops and make even tougher calculations to confirm his extraordinary accuracy.
Three years have passed since then and the Hyderabad based youngster has visited more than 23 countries, conducted more than 500 stage shows and impacted two million students with a mission to eradicate maths phobia. Neelakantha, who holds 50 Limca records for his extraordinary math calculations founded his company Bhanzu, a math ed-tech platform that aims to revolutionise the global math learning landscape. In 2022, Forbes featured the Global Indian in its 30 Under 30 Asia list, for making a difference to the math learning environment through his social entrepreneurship.
Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash
Making adversity an advantage
Born in in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, Neelakantha suffered a head injury in 2005, which left him bedridden for one year. However, instead of being bogged down by adversity, he picked up math and mental calculation as a hobby and worked to hone his skills. When he finally recuperated, he entered the competition circuit.
“My parents were told I might be cognitively impaired. So, I picked up mental maths calculations for survival, to keep my brain engaged,” he told the BBC in an interview.
Over the years, the math stalwart has bagged many gold medals and has held world records for fast arithmetic calculations. He has also won the International Speed Math Championship ’13 and the National Speed Math Championship ’11 and ’12. In 2015, he won the Math Genius Award.
After he graduated from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School (Vidyashram) Hyderabad, he went on to study at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and earned a BSc honours degree in Mathematics.
Neelakantha with his trophies when he was 10 years of age
Helping get rid of maths phobia
In one of his many TEDx talks Neelakantha asked the audience, “Why is maths something that we universally accept as important but are always consistently scared of?” It’s a phobia he hopes to remove from the minds of young students. Neelakantha has been working to make youngsters understand mathematics in such a way that they are able to engage with the subject more fully.
In the TEDx talk he remarked, “250 million students in India are currently in schools learning math. Out of these, more than 187 million students cannot do simple math calculations. It is not okay to be in a position where fundamental skills – literacy and numeracy are still not achieved.”
In order to inspire children and teach them to love mathematics, his company Bhanzu offers a special curriculum that makes math a fun activity, which is relatable and can be used in daily life.
Maths – a mental sport
Mental math is a sport, Neelakantha believes. He has trained his mind to think quickly, whether it is in Math or something else. He doesn’t, however, like to be called a prodigy, saying it is not an ability he was born with, but something he developed with hard work. As a child, he would spend over six hours a day practicing, after school.
“I look at it as “unstructured practise where I keep thinking about numbers all the time,” he said in an interview.”I practice with loud music on, when I’m talking to people, catching and playing cricket, because this is when your brain is being trained to do multiple things at the same time,” he added.
Considering it his duty to promote math as something ‘enjoyable’ the math wizard is on a mission to ‘eradicate math phobia and explore infinite capabilities of the human brain’.
(October 13, 2023) In 2022, Boca Raton, a city in Southern Palm Beach Country, Florida, announced that October 14 would be E-Waste Day. It was a triumph for Anya Gupta, the pre-teen environment advocate, and her efforts to protect the planet by addressing the elephant in the room – e-waste. Mayor Scott Singer passed the proclamation, helping Anya spread awareness about the harm caused by electronic waste on the environment. Anya has gathered over 1,000 pounds of electronic waste through her e-waste collection drives, ensuring that the e-waste generated by Boca Raton’s 100,000 inhabitants is reused or recycled, rather than ending up in a landfill. At just 12 years of age, Anya Gupta is creating a significant impact as a passionate champion with a mission to safeguard the environment. Her cause has inspired other cities in Florida, like Stuart and Miami Beach, which have also declared October 14 as Electronic Waste Recycling Day. “I realised that while pollution and plastic hazards are commonly discussed, the environmental threats from electronic waste aren’t. I want to add momentum in addressing the issue,” Anya remarked. [caption id="attachment_33525" align="aligncenter" width="442"] Anya Gupta[/caption] E-waste is not the only cause that Anya is concerned about. The
E-waste is not the only cause that Anya is concerned about. The young environmentalist is the founder of the non-profit ‘Pennies for Penguins' which she started with the purpose of ocean wildlife protection when she was barely five. This year, the author of three books has founded GLCS Youth Leadership Council and has been doing tremendous work for environmental conservation, earning awards and accolades along the way. One significant award that she earned in 2023 is the Everyday Young Hero Award by Youth Service America for her committment to finding her voice, taking an action and creating an impact in her community.
Pennies for Penguins
Anya’s town Boca Raton is famously centred around luxury beach culture. When Anya was just four, she developed an interest in ocean studies and learned about the environmental threats to her favourite animals – penguins, and started a non-profit to protect them. Her non-profit has successfully spearheaded the 'Cup Revolution' campaign, which is dedicated to combating plastic straw waste and has effectively engaged young people on a global scale.
Anya has been frequently organising community clean-up events in her nearby beaches and neighbourhoods. She inspires children of all age groups to take a similar initiative in their respective communities. “Cleaning up our planet is a collective global endeavour,” she believes.
[caption id="attachment_33521" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Anya Gupta, few years back[/caption]
Leveraging the power of youth
Anya collaborated with the Gumbo Limbo Nature Centre in Florida to establish a youth council with the aim of empowering local children to engage in conversations about the environmental issues that are important to them, and to coordinate events that raise awareness about these matters. As the founder and president she makes all efforts to leverage the power of youth volunteers to achieve the council’s goals.
Since its inception this year the youth council has done impactful work leading to praise by many including John Holloway, the president of Coastal Stewards who remarked that the solutions of the future are rooted in the experiences and values held by young individuals like Anya and her team.
Love for words and causes
So deep is her interest in the cause of ocean conservation that the eight grader has authored three children's books on the topic. The narrative of her latest book revolves around a penguin family experiencing the consequences of toxic runoff from electronic waste contaminating the fish they rely on for food. This story serves as a lesson for children to learn about interconnectedness of living beings and the significance of responsible waste disposal.
The youngster, who is passionate about penguins, climate change and human impact, works tirelessly to find resolutions to conflicts between modern lifestyles of humans and the conducive environment required by ocean animals.
[caption id="attachment_33523" align="aligncenter" width="556"] Cover image of Anya's latest book[/caption]
“When we throw away used electronic products, it ends up in the landfills and then when it rains, toxic chemicals from the e-waste find their way to our oceans and seep into the water. I work to ensure that all our e-waste ends up in the right place and not in the landfills,” she remarked.
Awards and accolades
This year the president of Youth Service America recognised Anya as the ‘Youth Service America Everyday Young Hero’ for her commitment to take action and make an impact in the community.
Anya also achieved recognition in the 2023 Regional Science Fair, earning two special awards and one placement award for her project, which delved into the effects of electronic waste on the survival rates of Daphnia magna, a commonly studied zooplankton species.
She secured second place in the Environmental Sciences Category overall and garnered an Honourable Mention for the Pollution Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County award.
Anya was also selected as one of the top 300 Junior Innovators, and was one of the only seven representatives from Florida for her project submission in the 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge organised by the Society for Science.
In the National Toshiba NTSA Exploravision Science Competition 2021, Anya was selected as one of the 24 regional winners for problem solving through STEM. She went on to secure second position in the national round winning a $5,000 scholarship for her college education, a chrome book and a banner for her school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOAhpd3N7PU
As part of the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (YOCS) grant recipient the young ocean steward was provided assistance with tools and resources to fund her own conservation project within her community.
In 2020, the young environmentalist won the Youth Environmental Excellence Award by SeaWorld & Busch Gardens in recognition of her environmental conservation work. As part of the award Anya had got the opportunity to spend an entire weekend exploring the behind-the-scenes experience, hosted by SeaWorld's conservation team. “The best part of it was that they had even arranged a penguin for me to pet,” she remarked.
The youngster loves reading, dancing, singing, music, and cooking. But what’s most important to her is her passion for advocating for the environment and ocean wildlife that are in need of persistent safeguarding.
(November 3, 2024) In sixth grade, Adarsh Ambati noticed something unusual in his hometown of San Jose, California. The frogs in the nearby creek had stopped croaking, and the once lush green lawns were turning brown, stark evidence of a drought affecting the region. Although his family was conscious about conserving water, many neighbours neglected to turn off their sprinklers, resulting in significant waste. This realisation sparked a fire in young Adarsh — a determination to create solutions for environmental crises. At just 13 years old, Adarsh's life took a dramatic turn when his mother suffered a third-degree heart block. Watching her connected to monitoring equipment, he became inspired to develop a portable, cost-effective device to track vital signs without hindering mobility. This ambition marked the beginning of his journey as an innovator and STEM promoter. By the time he won the prestigious Gloria Barron Prize in 2021, Adarsh had made remarkable strides, introducing projects like the Community Sprinkler and an Amphibian Biodiversity Protection Initiative, showcasing his commitment to addressing environmental challenges. The Contactless Monitor Now a mathematics major at Stanford University, Adarsh's first project — the Contactless Monitor — was completed just nine months after his mother’s health crisis.
Now a mathematics major at Stanford University, Adarsh's first project — the Contactless Monitor — was completed just nine months after his mother’s health crisis. Fortunately, her condition improved, allowing him to conduct over 1,000 tests on his prototype as part of a pilot study involving 40 participants. "It took me around nine months to develop the device and build an app with notifications so doctors could use it, but also regular people," he said in an interview. "Because it's contactless and relatively portable, it could even be used to detect infectious diseases like Covid-19."
He was recognised by Davidson Fellows for his project which left him honoured and elated. "This recognition bolsters my confidence and propels me to further advance my project. It validates not only my work but also that of my family members, teachers, friends, and mentors who were instrumental in the success of my project."
The contactless feature helps minimise exposure for healthcare providers, especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this low-cost innovation strengthens home healthcare systems, allowing for self-quarantining without burdening hospitals. The continuous monitoring capability can even help identify health issues like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which can be fatal and unexpected.
Adarsh's keen awareness of the challenges in his community fueled his desire to innovate. Growing up in California, he observed neighbors using automatic sprinklers that wasted water, prompting him to develop a solution to combat this inefficiency.
A Low-Cost Community Sprinkler Alert System
"While going to school in the rain one day, I saw one of my neighbors with their sprinklers on, creating run-offs," he shared with Vintage Billboard. "Through research, I found that 25 percent of the water used in an average American household is wasted each day due to overwatering and inefficient watering methods."
In 2016, Adarsh Ambati began creating a prototype for a smart, low-cost community sprinkler alert system. After conducting a two-month pilot with 10 neighboring homes, he discovered the potential to save approximately 50,000 gallons of water in just a few months. "The sprinkler system is compliant with water regulations, to cost-effectively save water for entire neighborhoods using a Raspberry Pi, moisture sensors, PyOWM (weather database), and by utilizing free social media networks like Twitter," he explained.
The sprinkler alert system not only detects moisture levels but also integrates real-time weather forecasts to optimize watering schedules. With a prototype cost of around $50, Adarsh believes it can be reduced to just five cents per household since it serves entire communities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFxGGuiix1c
A Scalable Model
In Northern California, where outdoor landscaping consumes an average of 100 gallons of water per household daily, the potential impact is significant. Adarsh presented his system to the San Jose City Council, who considered implementing it in public areas to conserve water.
Recognition followed quickly; in 2019, he won MagPi Magazine's Coolest Projects USA competition, and in 2021, he received the Gloria Barron Prize for his efforts. As the founder of Gro-STEMS, Adarsh sells succulents to fund technology training at the LifeMoves Homeless Shelter in San Jose and Aarti Girls School for abandoned children in Kadapa, India.
An Inspiring Innovator
Adarsh, who loves playing the flute and reading comics in his free time, wants to become a Principal Investigator and have his own lab at an academic institution where he can "work with like-minded students and faculty to conduct research in environmental sciences/engineering, developing technologies that better the world and help protect our environment."
Growing up in a region known for its diverse population, Adarsh Ambati has harnessed his Indian heritage and experiences to inspire action in environmental sustainability and STEM education. His initiatives, such as the development of a low-cost smart sprinkler system and the Contactless Monitor for healthcare, reflect a commitment to using technology for the greater good. Furthermore, through his organization, Gro-STEMS, he actively supports underserved students by providing technology training and resources, bridging the gap between his Indian roots and the broader Californian community.
(June 24, 2023) The worker justice and the labour movements in the United States of America have played a significant role in shaping the rights and conditions of workers throughout history. Inspired by the struggles of millions of people in the past, and attempting to better the future of labour in the States, is a young 20-year-old Indian American, Shyamala Ramakrishna. A student of Yale Law School, the young advocate was recently awarded the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. "I think it was because of my parents," shares the advocate, as she connects with Global Indian from Yale for an exclusive interview, "They came to New York in the 1990s, and I grew up hearing about the curiosities that they had about the American society and the issues here. That really encouraged me to develop my own sense of curiosity. My parents were very free in allowing me to be the judge of what I was curious about and what I wanted to do. And that led me to the path that I am on now." As an undergraduate at Yale College, Shyamala distinguished herself as a scholar in the prestigious Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human
ociety and the issues here. That really encouraged me to develop my own sense of curiosity. My parents were very free in allowing me to be the judge of what I was curious about and what I wanted to do. And that led me to the path that I am on now."
As an undergraduate at Yale College, Shyamala distinguished herself as a scholar in the prestigious Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human Rights, where her studies were centered around arts and advocacy. "I was deeply inspired by the work of attorney activist, Sarumathi Jayaraman, who is also an Indian American working for fair wages for restaurant workers and other service workers in the United States. You can say that she motivated me to pick this career path."
A melodious beginning
In the vibrant city of New York, Shyamala Ramakrishna's journey began, nurtured by her parents who hailed from Tamil Nadu. The youngster grew up in a tight-knit Indian community. "My parents came to New York searching for better opportunities," the advocate says, adding, "And they both brought their passions along with them. My mother is a musician and a music educator. My father came to the US for a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. I grew up between New York and New Jersey, on the East Coast. There are a lot of other Indian immigrant families and Indian Americans in the neighbourhoods that I lived in. It was quite a thriving community - vibrant and supportive."
As brilliant a student as she is, Shyamala is also a very talented musician. Guided by her mother and grandmother, she delved into the intricate art of Carnatic music. "My mother introduced me to Carnatic music when I was just a toddler and at four I gave my first performance on stage at a South Indian music festival." And even today, despite a very busy schedule, the youngster never leaves a chance to perform. "I am still the lead vocalist in my band, FORAGER, and it's been an incredible journey, watching our music resonate with audiences, filling venues in New York City and beyond. I also had the incredible opportunity to music direct Shades, a remarkable singing group that places Black musical traditions at the heart of its artistic expression. No matter how busy I get, I plan on continuing to pursue music," the advocate shares.
Of activism and advocacy
After finishing high school, Shyamala was quite clear that she wanted to pursue graduation in law, and she chose to go to one of the best institutions in the USA - Yale. Pursuing a multidisciplinary academic programme in human and labour rights, the young advocate took part in various important legal research, including at the American Civil Liberties Union. "Currently I am enrolled at the Yale Law School's three-year Juris Doctor programme, which provides students with a legal education of outstanding breadth and depth. My focus is labour and employment issues, which I chose because of a long-standing interest in workers' rights and justice in the USA.
[caption id="attachment_31392" align="aligncenter" width="662"] Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut[/caption]
However, advocating for these issues is no cakewalk. Talking about the challenges she and many advocate activists like her face, she says, "When I came to Yale I realised how much people's success had to do with what they were given, including the resources, the money, the education, extracurriculars - the things their parents could sign them up for. Learning that the US pedals this myth of meritocracy that's not real was really a key development in my understanding of how to fix this country. A large part of it is recognising that the resources and opportunities that were given to people at a young age have much more to do with their success than any sense of brilliance."
Following her graduation, the young advocate embarked on a career in the future of work policy, assuming a fellowship role with the State of New Jersey, where she made valuable contributions by actively participating in the development of regulations aimed at tackling the discriminatory effects of algorithmic hiring technology. Driven by a strong commitment to social justice, Shyamala extended her efforts beyond the realm of policy work. Volunteering with Court Watch NYC, she engaged in crucial activities related to monitoring and reporting.
"Leaving the college behind, and working in the real world made me realise that a big challenge for any advocate who wishes to work for these issues is to not distance themselves from the people we are trying to serve. So, I am working on making sure that I can make an impact and help establish labour justice and rights," the advocate explains. "However, the fact that there are many South Asians in the USA who are dedicated to multi-racial, multi-generational, and cross-class solidarity has been a huge motivator to keep me on track."
Planning to dedicate her career to workers’ rights in the future, Shyamala is elated to have received the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship. "Higher education in the US is very expensive and getting funding for a law degree is going to make it very easy for me to concentrate on my mission without worrying about paying off my debt. Secondly, this fellowship will also help me meet people who were previous years' P&D Soros fellows, working in adjacent or similar fields as mine. I am really looking forward to that," says the advocate as she signs off.
(May 15, 2024) Coming from the family of the Indian multinational snack food company and restaurant chain, Bikanervala, entrepreneurship runs in the blood of Mishthi Aggarwal. The fourth-generation entrepreneur is the only female specialty coffee roaster in India, a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer. As the founder and CEO of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, Mishthi oversees the production of bespoke blends innovated and developed in her organisation’s research and development centre. “During my travels across the world, I was inspired by the rich coffee culture and it led me to venture into the coffee industry,” Mishthi tells Global Indian. “While India is the seventh largest producer of coffee in the world, most of it is exported. I want to inculcate the specialty coffee culture in our Indian lifestyles. This will not only allow us to enjoy our high-quality homegrown coffees but at the same time promote the flourishing agri-economy,” adds the Harvard University alumna. [caption id="attachment_37808" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption] 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak
At 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, each coffee batch undergoes gentle roasting in high-quality equipment to capture the fullest flavours from every bean. This meticulous process helps in discovering the window of peak flavour, resulting in a perfect roast. When a coffee achieves the desired mark, it is served at cafes and made available on shelves as whole beans.
Established in the year 2022, the organisation is based out of Gurugram, Haryana. “Being born in a business family, you pick up all the traits and values that are discussed in the household. I think I imbibed the qualities of diligence and entrepreneurship from my family very early on in life,” Mishthi tells. “My family always supported me in my venture and with their constant encouragement I have been able to lay a strong foundation at 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.”
As the sole owner of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, the 27-year-old leads a team of 15 dedicated individuals who share her passion for specialty coffee. “While I am the primary decision-maker and visionary for the company, I deeply value the collaborative effort and diverse perspectives that each team member brings to the table.” Together the team strives to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in every aspect of business operations.
93 Degrees is Mishthi’s first business venture. “It has been a transformative journey so far,” she remarks. The decision to embark on this path was not taken for the heck of getting into business following her family’s legacy, rather it was a result of her deep passion for coffee and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the coffee industry of India.
Mishthi started her business venture in 2022 while she was still a student of Harvard. “Managing the day-to-day operations of 93 Degrees while pursuing my management studies at Harvard has been both demanding and rewarding,” she remarks. “Thanks to the flexible learning options offered by Harvard, I was able to strike a balance between my academic commitments and the responsibilities of running a business. Leveraging technology and effective time management strategies, I ensured that the company continues to thrive in my absence,” she tells, highlighting that the insights gained from her course enriched her decision-making ability and contributed in running the business even from abroad.
“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned along the way.” While there have been hurdles to overcome, a sense of fulfilment derived from building something from the ground up makes every obstacle worth it for Mishthi.
Blending legacy and innovation
“Coming from an esteemed business family, entrepreneurship was the most natural progression for me. I have enjoyed the process of establishing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. Also, I have learnt to respect traditions in businesses even while innovating and discovering new trends in the industry,” says the fourth-generation entrepreneur. She looks at her grandfather, as a visionary entrepreneur who instilled in her the qualities of integrity, persistence, and diligence towards excellence from a young age.
Drawing inspiration from his entrepreneurial journey Mishthi learned to blend tradition with innovation, respecting the rich heritage of her family business while pioneering new ventures in uncharted territories.
“Throughout my entrepreneurial endeavour, I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family members. They are the mentors and advisors of my journey. Their experience, wisdom and the values that they instilled in me has shaped my identity as an entrepreneur,” she remarks.
Visionary leaders in the coffee industry who have reshaped the landscape of specialty coffee globally are also people who inspire Mishthi Aggarwal, fuelling her ambition to make a meaningful impact in the world of specialty coffee.
Beyond business
As an entrepreneur, Mishthi’s aspirations for 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters extend beyond mere profitability. She envisions her brand becoming synonymous with exceptional quality, sustainability, and social responsibility in the coffee industry. “By cultivating strong partnerships with local farmers, we aim to create a positive impact at every stage of the coffee supply chain. Ultimately, I strive to elevate the coffee experience for our customers while contributing to the greater good of society,” she tells.
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters is deeply committed to empowering local coffee farmers through initiatives aimed at promoting fair trade practices, sustainable agriculture, and community development. “Partnering with coffee-growing communities and advocating for their rights and well-being, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry for generations to come,” Mishthi shares, talking about her aspirations.
On the path of leadership
Before enrolling in the master’s in management at Harvard University, Mishthi completed her bachelors of science in economics from the University of Nottingham, and a three-year diploma course in coffee skills from Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE), one of the world's largest coffee trade associations.
“As an authorised AST (Authorised Specialty Coffee Association Trainer), certified by the SCAE, I possess the necessary credentials to educate and train others in the art and science of specialty coffee,” she mentions. Her Q Grader Arabica certification, awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute makes her an expert in evaluating and grading coffee beans - a unique position as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.
She has served as a jury member with the National Coffee Board for the National Latte Art Championship and National Barista Championship in the past. Winners went on to participate in global competitions. As a jury member she evaluated and critiqued the performance of contestants based on criteria such as taste, technique, and presentation. The entrepreneur and trainer loved being in the judge's shoes. She looks at it as an opportunity to contribute towards the advancement of the coffee industry of India on a global scale.
“As a budding entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges along the path to building and growing 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters. From navigating the complexities of supply chain management to overcoming financial hurdles and fierce competition, each obstacle has tested my resilience and determination,” she remarks adding, “However, I firmly believe that challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. I have been able to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger than before.”
The entrepreneur, who has just returned after completing her masters at Harvard, aims to make her venture bigger and contribute wholeheartedly in the specialty coffee industry of India as a certified Q grader, and an authorised SCA trainer.
(August 27, 2023) "A film so guerilla that it was written, directed, shot, and edited by me, in my house, with no crew, and my mom as the only actor," Siddharth Salgaonkar said, about his short-film, Monster. The one-minute short was among the 23 selected from around the world to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was a big break for the young Indian filmmaker and put Belagavi, a town in Karnataka, on the world map. "Monster was made using available materials and meagre resources, featured my mother Seema as an actress and my father Hemant as a crew member," the young Indian filmmaker told The Hindu. "As a child, I wanted to be either a chef or a filmmaker. I think I have made my choice now after a lot of thought," he smiled. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TIFF (@tiff_net) Siddharth was born in Belagavi and his father, Hemant Salgaonkar is an artist trained at Mumbai's JJ School of Art. Creativity runs in the family, his mother is a Marathi theatre artist and a yoga teacher and his brother graduated from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and is
Siddharth was born in Belagavi and his father, Hemant Salgaonkar is an artist trained at Mumbai's JJ School of Art. Creativity runs in the family, his mother is a Marathi theatre artist and a yoga teacher and his brother graduated from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and is now a UX-Designer in California.
Siddharth went on to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia and graduated in 2022. These days, Siddharth lives in Brooklyn, where he continues to pursue his dream of being a writer / director / actor. He's also exploring a new interest - standup comedy. Now a regular performer in New York's standup comedy circuit, the polymath is also working on his next independent film. "I'd dreamt of living in New York since I was little," the Global Indian says. "I'm in love with the city and the people and want to continue living here for the foreseeable future."
Early Student Films
He began making films as a student at the Srishti School of Art in Bengaluru, doing both fiction and non-fiction. His first film, Call, explores the relationship between a mother and son, and was based on true events. In the film, the protagonist waits for a call from his mother, which never comes. Although he doesn't know why, he senses that something is wrong. In 'Delete', a "seven shot short", a young man becomes oddly attached to an eraser. His films usually focus on the mundane, but are filled with tension and leave the audience wondering why. In Masala Beda, for instance, he captures the anxious anticipation of a student who waits for his order at the college canteen.
The non-fiction work of young Indian filmmaker, on the other hand, takes on social concerns. 'Livelihood on a Ride' delves into the ongoing battle that street vendors have against the municipality and the government in Bengaluru, as they jostle each other for space to make their meagre living. Ganesh Visarjan Bangalore is a brief documentary of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Yelahanka.
Although his shorts make an impact, they have their share of challenges. "As an independent filmmaker, you have to restrict yourself while writing a film to make sure you can afford to make it," he explains. "I would like to believe that my ability to write humour - especially the dark, satirical kind - is one of my best characteristics," says Siddharth, who sees himself as a writer first, then an actor and a standup comedian. "Stories play the most important role in my life. Coming from a small town in India, there are a lot of culturally unique stories and experiences that I have picked up that I want to narrate to the world."
Anya Gupta[/caption]
Anya Gupta, few years back[/caption]
Cover image of Anya's latest book[/caption]
Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut[/caption]
Mishthi Aggarwal[/caption]
