Hari Vadlamani is a builder, mentor, creator, writer and seeker, someone who has moved from developing and investing in power plants to building institutions for Indian culture, and now seeks through giving. Today he is a corporate advisor in strategy, structuring and law. He returned to professional work after a decade of institution-building, once the institutions he founded had developed independent leadership.

Builder. He spent the first part of his career as a practising chartered accountant, consultant, investment banker, developer and fund manager, managing India’s first private power-sector fund. Following two successful exits in the energy sector, he turned in 2015 to building institutions that preserve, protect and promote Indian knowledge systems, culture and traditions. He founded INDICA and NICE and is a founder-investor and director of Swarajya.

Mentor. He finds particular joy in helping people discover their potential and purpose, and in encouraging them to think big. In 2010–11, he established Creative India to sponsor artists, artworks and residencies, nurturing and promoting several contemporary artists. Through INDICA, he has given grants for travel, research, events and publishing, supporting hundreds of scholars, seekers and students. Throughout his corporate career, and through INDICA and NICE, he has mentored many of them, along with several entrepreneurs.

Creator. He is deeply passionate about philosophy, art, craft, design and cuisine. At INDICA, he enjoys creating and curating transformative learning experiences that are authentic, unique, aesthetic and immersive. He also enjoys travelling in search of such experiences. He considers himself an “uncollector”, drawn particularly to conceptual, sculptural and installation art, and he has long dreamed of creating a sculpture park. An aspiring artist himself, he conceived a permanent installation for his alma mater that was inaugurated by the late Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

Writer. At Swarajya, he writes on public policy and culture. Through Hari’s Curries at coHari.org, he writes freely across a wide range of topics, exploring connections between seemingly remote disciplines.

Seeker. Rooted in Advaita Vedanta, he sees life as a journey from self, to selfless, to Self: discovering one’s individual potential, working selflessly for a larger cause, and ultimately realising one’s true nature. He is now pursuing a path he calls Dāna Yoga, combining earning for giving with seeking through giving. For him, giving is not merely an act of philanthropy but a spiritual practice of letting go, reducing attachment and discovering oneself. He seeks to bring the spirit of devotion, gratitude, surrender and acceptance into everyday action. He sees himself as a cook in a temple, offering his thoughts, words and deeds as naivedyam.

coHari brings these five dimensions together. It is his personal space and a growing community dedicated to advancing Indic wisdom and the art of conscious giving. As a co-traveller, he coaches, collaborates with and contributes to embodied seekers, creators, curators and storytellers. He is also bringing together philanthropists, including billionaires and others transitioning into vanaprastha, who wish to move from wealth creation towards conscious giving. He calls them Seeker-Givers: people for whom giving is not simply about changing the world, but also about transforming themselves.

Danji Thotapalli is the Co-founder and Chief Curator at Center for Indic Films. He is a senior global sourcing professional with a passion for cinema. Having spent the past 10 years at major Hollywood studios – previously at NBC Universal and Sony Pictures – Danji understands the power of film and the extent of its reach. In addition to working in Hollywood, Danji has been associated with the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles for about 12 years, and comes with a deep insight into all facets of running a film festival such as community outreach, sponsorship/funding, event management, programming and media relations. Currently, Danji volunteers as a Vice President at ManaBadi, a reputed Telugu-language school in the US, and is responsible for ideation and implementation of value-added curricular and extra-curricular programs. Danji wrote and published a book of short stories titled ‘Hanuman in America’ set in the American milieu for teenagers born and raised in the Western world. Danji is passionate about pre-Buddhist Andhra history, and enjoys immersive experiences that blend modernity with tradition.

As Head of Programming, Nikita Vyas Hattangady plays a key role in supporting both emerging and established filmmakers. She is deeply passionate about championing narratives that celebrate the richness and depth of Indic cultural heritage while also promoting themes of positivity, resilience, and community. Nikita is a filmmaker whose films have been featured at numerous international film festivals. Her storytelling often explores themes of social issues and personal transformation, delivered with an uplifting and inspiring tone. Beyond her contributions to cinema, Nikita is the author and illustrator of ‘We Are American’, a beautifully crafted children’s picture book that explores and celebrates the diversity of the United States. Her storytelling continues across various media, bridging her cultural roots with broader themes of unity and belonging. Nikita holds degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Business Management, blending analytical thinking with creative vision. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family and friends, and nurturing her lifelong passion for cinema, which remains at the heart of everything she does.

Christian Frost is Head of Filmmaker Liaison. Christian has been working in Hollywood for nearly 20 years in marketing and creative print at DreamWorks and Paramount.  What makes Christian unique is his absolute passion for India and his ability to talk to anyone anywhere. Christian received a B.A. in Anthropology with an emphasis on Indian studies from Brigham Young University and is currently pursuing his Masters in Asian Studies. He has traveled extensively to India and made friends with some of Bollywood’s elite. Christian is also a filmmaker and a content creator and has several projects in the works from feature films to TV series.  He also has a YouTube channel called Uncle Frosty-Ji where his entertaining and informative interviews and travelogues bring a fresh perspective to Indian culture.

Vishy Putcha is Head of Indica Social at Indica Pictures. A Senior Project Management professional based out of Detroit Michigan, Vishy is one of those individuals who is aficionado of film and filmmaking. He runs a Facebook page called Cinema Adda which is a well-known platform for all things cinema. Vishy is passionate about storytelling, actor performances, and cultural paradigms that define Indian cinema. Whether it’s classic movies, contemporary blockbusters, or hidden gems, Vishy engages in discussions that celebrate the artistry of film as an artform. He firmly believes that the best way to learn about film is to speak with filmmakers of all shapes and sizes. His goal is to build a platform that bridges the gap between film enthusiasts in the US with those in India. Vishy will lead the Indica Filmmaker Social at the upcoming 5th Indic Film Utsav in Dallas. He will helm a series of filmmaker events ranging from Workshops, Panels, Contests, and Q&A sessions all of which aim to create a platform for filmmakers that are located in the US or Canada.

Trivikram Gajulapalli is our Head of Theater Experience. A passionate filmmaker and self-made entrepreneur, Trivikram founded Veenaa Vedika, a production house rooted in the belief that cinema should inspire and uplift. Trivikram has written and directed feature films, shorts, dramas, and digital content. His current focus lies in cross-cultural English films with deep Indian roots, crafted to engage global audiences. He is deeply fascinated by the future of content creation and democratizing effects of new technologies . Trivikram is deeply invested in India’s cultural revival. He actively explores the triad of Health, Wealth, and Dharma in both life and work. He also collaborates with film festivals and like-minded organizations in various creative and strategic capacities.

Megha is our Events and Finance Head, seamlessly blending her analytical expertise with a passion for service. An electrical engineer by training, she transitioned into a full-time Realtor, bringing precision and a keen understanding of her clients’ unique needs. Beyond her professional life, she is deeply involved in the Ramakrishna Mission, actively participating in spiritual activities that reflect her commitment to personal growth and community service. Her love for cinema extends beyond casual viewing—she is an avid follower of world cinema, appreciating the artistry and cultural narratives that shape global filmmaking. Megha’s multifaceted background and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of our team, always ready to create meaningful experiences, whether through real estate or events.

Srini is our Contests and Conferences Head. An award-winning writer, musician, filmmaker, and actor, Srini is trained in Indian classical and jazz music. He has composed background scores for over 70 short films and 8 feature films, including the Nandi Award-winning Atreya. His animation film Vemana features 108 poems in 108 ragas. As a screenwriter, Srini has written 20 Telugu plays, 15 short films, and 3 feature films. He has acted in 10 films (Taskara, Vindhya Marutham), plays, and web series (Maranam) His recent film Sreekaram, which he wrote, co-directed, and scored, won Best Film at the K. Viswanath Memorial Short Film Contest and Dada Saheb Film Festival. Srini is the co-founder of Amritavarshini Academy, president of IFAA (DFW), and director of 6Elements Productions, where he nurtures classical music, dance, and film.

Anu is our Media Relations Head. A renowned television anchor and host based in Dallas, she is the founder of Girrmitt Creations, a media company, and Chief Operating Officer of iAsiaNews. With 18 years in broadcasting and community engagement, Anu began her media career as a popular radio jockey on Radio Azad and Mastitime Radio. Anu holds degrees in Biology/Pre-Medicine from UT Dallas and Zoology from India, as well as a Master’s in Reproductive Biology. A creative producer, voice-over artist, and media anchor, she has led reality talent shows including Dallas Star Kalakaar and Texas Star Kalakaar and hosted Global Gupshup. Her contributions have earned her the 2025 Immigration Journey Award, UTA Hero of the Year Award, and Maverick Community Shining Star Award.

Suroma Sinha, is our Volunteer Coordination Head. She is a lifelong film enthusiast and passionate community advocate. Her journey includes supporting domestic violence survivors in the Indian community and organizing stem cell donor drives, work rooted in compassion and resilience. Her love for cinema began in childhood, and joining Indic Film Utsav has been a dream fulfilled, offering connection with fellow creatives and a chance to uplift stories that matter.