Vinay Bandi
CEO, Drama School Mumbai
Bio
From SAE student to CEO shaping global creative education
SAE alumnus Vinay Bandi has built an international career in creative education, progressing from audio production student to CEO, leading institutions and mentoring over 1000 students across the world.
After completing his Masters in Professional Practice in 2025, Vinay continues to lead Drama School Mumbai, bringing together theatre, performance and education while shaping future talent in the creative industries.
His journey, however, began much earlier, as a student at SAE in Singapore and London, where he developed the technical and creative foundations that would define his career.
From student to educator
Unlike many graduates who move directly into industry roles, Vinay’s path shifted during his time at SAE. While studying, he often found himself supporting classmates, helping them understand studio workflows and technical concepts.
That instinct became a defining turning point when he returned to India and began teaching at SAE Chennai. Transitioning from student to educator at a young age was both exciting and challenging, requiring him to quickly develop confidence, manage expectations and find his own teaching voice.
What started as a natural extension of learning soon became a clear direction, building a career not just within the creative industries, but in shaping how they are taught.
Building a global career in education
Vinay’s career quickly expanded beyond India. At the International College of Music in Kuala Lumpur, a Berklee College of Music academic partner, he progressed to Senior Lecturer while also leading large scale live productions as Technical Director.
These were not classroom exercises, but real, ticketed performances, giving students direct experience of working in professional environments.
He later taught across both audio and film disciplines at SAE Dubai, working with international cohorts and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
Returning to India, his focus shifted into leadership. He took on roles including Academic Head, General Manager and later Dean at leading music institutions, where he played a key role in building programmes, developing faculty and establishing new campuses.
Today, as CEO of Drama School Mumbai, he leads a performing arts institution that combines education, storytelling and performance, continuing to expand his impact across the creative industries.
Shaping the next generation
While his career includes senior leadership roles, Vinay’s greatest achievement is the long-term impact of his work on students.
Across his career, he has mentored more than 1000 learners, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in the industry.
The most meaningful moments often come years later, when former students return to share how a piece of advice or a classroom experience stayed with them and influenced their path.
For Vinay, this lasting impact represents the true value of education.
Building confidence through practice and perspective
Vinay credits SAE with providing the foundation for both his technical skills and his approach to education.
The course’s emphasis on hands on learning, critical thinking and real world application shaped how he understands both creative practice and teaching.
Early exposure to studio environments and live production instilled a strong belief in applied learning, something he has carried through into every programme he has developed.
More recently, completing the Masters in Professional Practice allowed him to reconnect with the evolving landscape of the creative industries, particularly in areas such as emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, helping him refine his perspective as both an educator and leader.
Advice for future students
Vinay believes that success in the creative industries is built over time and requires a long term mindset.
“Make the most of your time at SAE. The learning goes far beyond the classroom, and every project is an opportunity to build skills, perspective and confidence.”
He also highlights the importance of collaboration and maintaining strong relationships, as the networks built during study often shape future opportunities.
Above all, he emphasises the importance of giving back to the learning journey of others, recognising education as a key part of sustaining and growing the creative industries.
Study a Masters at SAE
At SAE, our Masters programmes are designed to help you develop advanced skills, deepen your practice and build a future within the creative industries.
Through a combination of practical learning, critical thinking and exploration of emerging technologies, you will gain the tools needed to adapt, innovate and grow in an evolving creative landscape.
