Name: Mayuka Tulla
University: New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
Course: BFA, Film and Television
Location: New York
Key Highlights:
- Faculty are renowned professional artists and scholars providing hands-on training.
Students are trained at one of the professional actors’ studios in Manhattan.
(August 6, 2025) Mayuka Tulla always wanted to live in a big city like New York, where creativity and culture are alive on every street. So when she received the offer to join New York University’s Tisch School of Arts in New York, for a Film and Television program – her happiness knew no bounds.
The faculty, many of whom are actively working in the industry, the cutting edge infrastructure, access to high-end production equipment and the sheer diversity of the student body – has already transformed her approach to storytelling. The bonus? Her dorm on the 26th floor which offers a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline!
Mayuka Tulla
“New York University’s standing in the global film community is unparalleled. The phrase ‘the city is your campus’ isn’t just a tagline (of NYU) — it truly embodies the experience of studying there,” smiles Mayuka, in a chat with Global Indian.
Alongside her four-year BFA program, she is pursuing a minor in the Business of Media, Entertainment, and Technology, as well as a minor in Economics. “These additions were deliberate, as I want to understand not just filmmaking, but also the commercial, financial, and technological frameworks that shape the industry,” says Mayuka, who feels this comprehensive education is already transforming her approach to storytelling, making her think beyond the creative process and into the realms of production strategy and entrepreneurship.
A dream choice after a top film school shortlist
Mayuka had initially shortlisted three top film schools — NYU Tisch School of the Arts, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. “These schools are globally renowned for their legacy in nurturing some of the most celebrated filmmakers, and I knew that if I wanted to train seriously, it had to be at one of these institutions,” says the passionate filmmaker.
Out of the three, she chose to apply Early Decision 2 (ED2) to NYU Tisch, and thankfully, got in. “The decision was a combination of strategic thinking and emotional instinct.”
Mayuka started the application process in October 2022, submitted it by November, sent in her portfolio shortly after and attended the interview in December. By January 2023, she received the offer to join for the Fall 2023 intake.
A warm welcome to New York
Mayuka arrived in New York City with her businessman-father Vijayender Goud Tulla, feeling a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and nervousness. “The jet lag was intense, but the thrill of finally being in NYC overshadowed everything else,” recalls the student, who already knew her roommate from Hyderabad, which made settling into the dorm a lot easier.
One of the first things she did was decorate the wall on her side of the dorm with posters of her favourite Indian movies which made her space feel familiar and personal.
With parents’ support, the journey felt possible
Mayuka’s parents were completely supportive. “They always saw this (studying in US) coming, given my passion for storytelling and the arts,” says the student, while recalling how her mother was emotional when she finally left. “Their support has been my backbone, giving me the confidence to pursue this path without hesitation.”
New city, new challenges
Settling in the US was far less daunting than she initially feared, but it wasn’t without its challenges. “My biggest concern was the dorm situation — sharing a small space in a bustling city with someone else can be intimidating. But securing a spot on the 26th floor with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline made the transition into a new life feel less intimidating,” says Mayuka.
Having her father there for the first few days helped immensely; he assisted her in setting up her space, navigating the city, and even getting familiar with the essentials like groceries and transport. “I was also lucky to form a close group of friends within the first week, which made the emotional transition smoother. The fast-paced environment of New York, combined with the demanding Tisch curriculum, meant I had to quickly learn how to balance academics, personal projects, and social life,” says Mayuka, who quickly adapted to the harsh winters in NY.
Orientation, awe, and a tightly packed week
Her orientation week was packed — campus tours, getting familiar with the schedule, and the grand welcome ceremony at Radio City Music Hall which, she describes as an unforgettable experience. “I structured my class schedule so that my academic week was packed into Monday through Wednesday, keeping Thursday to Sunday free.”
Mayuka’s week included a 6-hour long production class, where she focused on hands-on filmmaking, while the other courses were on film history, criticism, and visual storytelling techniques.
City stories, cultural lens, and cinematic learning
Mayuka says the professors at Tisch are phenomenal — not only are they experts in their fields, but they often took students on explorations around the city, encouraging them to find stories hidden in everyday places. “Most of my classmates are American, but I’ve always tried to bring Indian narratives and perspectives into my work. That cultural exchange has been enriching, as it sparks dialogue and allows me to showcase stories that others may not be familiar with.”
For Mayuka, one of the most exciting parts of studying at NYU has been the access to incredible seminars and industry workshops. “I attended an art criticism seminar that reshaped how I interpret visual storytelling, and an especially memorable audio editing seminar featuring the entire audio production team from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They walked us through their protocols and session breakdowns,” says Mayuka, who for the first time, truly understood the intricacies of sound design in professional film production.
Early projects that pushed creative boundaries
During her first semester, Mayuka worked on three film projects. The first was a one-minute, one-shot Lumière film about a murder, a technical exercise in continuous shooting, the second was an experimental visual piece inspired by Dakla music videos, where she explored rhythm and visual texture.
The final project was a short narrative centered around a kidnapping, which allowed Mayuka to play with suspense and character dynamics. “There are several upcoming festivals and showcases within Tisch where I plan to present my work, and I’m actively developing more polished pieces for submission.”
Creative recharge at NYU’s Strawberry Festival
Apart from her coursework, Mayuka makes sure to engage in university traditions and student life activities.
One event she enjoyed was the Strawberry Festival, which NYU hosts every spring. “It’s a lively, vibrant event with music, food, games, and of course, strawberries served in every form imaginable. It’s a fun break from the intensity of academic life and a great way to interact with students across different departments.”
She also participates in screenings, creative writing clubs, and cultural nights organised by student groups, especially those that celebrate South Asian culture. “These experiences keep me creatively inspired and socially connected,” says the immensely talented student.
Exploring New York, one frame and flavour at a time
Weekends and off days are Mayuka’s time to explore New York City with friends. “We love discovering new neighborhoods, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, and visiting iconic spots like Rockefeller Center. Food is a big part of these adventures,” she says.
Beyond that, she spends her time watching films, reading literature, experimenting with photography, and simply observing the pulse of the city, which often inspires her creative projects.
Rooted in legacy, raised with purpose
Born in Hyderabad to a businessman father and an entrepreneur mother who is the founder of Happiness Trunk, a platform dedicated to holistic well-being, she thanks her parents for her upbringing. “Growing up around such dynamic parents shaped my understanding of leadership, innovation, and community impact. My family has always been entrepreneurial, socially active, and culturally rooted.”
Her grandfather T Devender Goud, former Home minister of (united) Andhra Pradesh and MP was a well-known figure in Indian politics. “His involvement in public life exposed me early on to conversations around governance, social responsibility, and the power of influence — lessons that still inform the kind of stories I want to tell through cinema,” says Mayuka, who studied at The Aga Khan academy, Hyderabad.
She performed well academically, particularly in literature, economics, and global politics. “Though I was deeply into competitive sports, I played cricket and volleyball and also participated in Model United Nations,” informs Mayuka.
Where filmmaking began
Mayuka’s passion for filmmaking started in high school, when she founded the film club and taught fellow students about directing, scriptwriting, and producing. “I would often shoot short scenes on my phone, capturing candid conversations or scripted moments, and then edit them just for fun.”
Aikyam marked the beginning
As a Kuchipudi dancer, storytelling was always intrinsic to Mayuka’s art form. “I wanted to take that narrative power beyond the stage, which led me to write and direct Aikyam, my first professional short film,” she says.
Aikyam was a dance drama narrating the story of Goddess Durga’s cosmic battle against Mahishasura, merging classical dance with cinematic storytelling. “I collaborated with professionals, choreographed the sequences, and managed production logistics — from selecting culturally significant locations to coordinating costumes and art direction,” she says of the intense three-day shoot, starting every day at 4 am.
The experience cemented her desire to pursue filmmaking seriously. Later, she attended the Oxford Through the Lens summer course, at Oxford university, where she worked on a comedic short film alongside professionals like directors, sound supervisors, and cinematographers.
“That program deepened my understanding of the importance of every technical and creative decision on a set. At NYU, I’ve continued that momentum, experimenting with different formats — from one-shot films to experimental visuals and narrative storytelling,” says Mayuka.
Next: A production house in India
Post-graduation, she plans to establish her own production house in India, focusing on psychological thrillers, feminist narratives, and adaptations of South Indian folklore. “There are so many rich, untold stories within Indian regional cultures that I believe deserve sophisticated cinematic treatments.”
In the long term, she aims to direct films that compete at international film festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice. “I want to create films that don’t just entertain but provoke thought, challenge conventions, and foster cultural dialogue,” signs off Mayuka.
- Follow Mayuka Tulla on LinkedIn
