Created by HGNJanell4801
Last edited January 23, 2026


Anil C.S. Rao
BornUnited States
OccupationWriter, artist, comic book creator
LanguageEnglish
EducationMFA in Creative Writing, National University (2014)
Notable worksBright 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]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Rao earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from National University in 2014.[6]

He is also the grandson of Indian historian and writer C.V.H. Rao, author of Civil Disobedience Movements in India.[7]

Career[edit | edit source]

Rao began his career in 1981 as an apprentice at BR Films in Mumbai, working on the production of the feature film Nikaah.[8]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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 [Unpublished thesis — circulated in excerpt form].[5]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Rao, Anil C.S. (2023). Bright Lights Big Buddha: A Graphic Novel. Ind. ISBN 9798389202382.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Baltimore Bombay Baltimore: A Cineaste's Round Trip Journey". Baltimore Post-Examiner. January 27, 2023.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "India Abroad profile".
  4. "The Hindu Metro Plus article".
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Visalandhra review of Anil C.S. Rao's fiction" (in తెలుగు). Visalandhra. 2023.
  6. "Creative Writing Student Alumni Success" (PDF). National University. 2014.
  7. Rao, C.V.H. (2006). Civil Disobedience Movements in India. Kanishka Publishers. ISBN 9788188811380.
  8. "BR Films production history". Bollywood Hungama. 1981.