From Data Science to Directing: Tanmay Shekhar's Inspiring Film Journey
IITian left high paying job in US to become a director, took loans from 30 people to fund his first film. Today, the movie is streaming on Netflix. Who is Tanmay Shekhar?
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Tanmay Shekhar, an IIT alumnus, left his lucrative data science job in New York to pursue filmmaking. He raised funds from friends to create a film about social awareness, which is now streaming on Netflix after winning a Special Jury Award at the Kolkata International Film Festival.
- 01Tanmay Shekhar transitioned from a successful career in data science to filmmaking.
- 02He raised funds for his film by borrowing from nearly thirty friends.
- 03The film explores themes of privilege and transformation through the story of expelled college students.
- 04It received recognition at the Kolkata International Film Festival with a Special Jury Award.
- 05The film has expanded its audience by streaming on Netflix after a limited theatrical release.
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Tanmay Shekhar, an alumnus of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), made a life-changing decision to leave his high-paying data science job in New York to pursue his passion for filmmaking. With no industry connections and limited resources, he sought financial support from nearly thirty friends to fund his first film. The narrative follows two privileged college students who, after being expelled, are assigned to teach underprivileged children, exploring themes of privilege and social awareness. The film garnered critical acclaim, winning a Special Jury Award at the Kolkata International Film Festival. To promote his work, Tanmay, alongside actor Molshri, traveled to 13 cities, organizing screenings and engaging with audiences. Although it had a limited theatrical release on just 15 screens, the film's reach significantly increased when it began streaming on Netflix, showcasing Tanmay's dedication to meaningful storytelling and community support.
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