A son tells his father’s story
Rekhi documentary shown Thursday
Trending
HOUGHTON -- Over its more than 140-year history, several names have become synonymous with Michigan Technological University -- Melvin Calvin, John MacInnes and Ray Smith to name a few. Over the past few decades, another name was added to that list -- Kanwal Rekhi. Considered by many to be MTU’s most famous alumni, Rekhi earned a master’s in electrical engineering from Tech in 1969 and went on to become a giant in Silicon Valley as managinge director of Inventus Capital Partners and a venture capitalist investing in more than 5 startups and sitting on the board of directors of more than 20 companies.
Rekhi’s is truly a “rags to riches” saga and his story is captured in the film “Breaking the Code.” The 2026 doculentary highlighted Day 1 of the 41 North Film Festival at the Rozsa Center. Directed by Rekhi’s son Ben, the younger Rekhi’s documentary traces his father’s humble beginnings in poverty in India, while overcoming several obstacles including abuse, shyness, a speech impediment and a families’ struggle with depression.
According to a 41 North press release, Ben Rekhi’s film retraces his father’s path from Punjab, India to the Upper Peninsula and eventually Silicon Valley, “where Kanwal broke barriers in the overwhelmingly white world of early tech and became the first Indian to take a venture-backed company public.”
Speaking to the Daily Mining Gazette prior to Thursday’s screening, Rehki told the story, which was also relayed in the film, of his first day in Houghton. “When I came to Michigan Tech, it was my first stop in America,” Rehki, who received the University’s highest honor, the Melvin Calvin Medal of Distinction in 2022, said. On that first day, there were several of us from India and the temperature was in the 30s. They left us on the side of the road. People came out and covered us with blankets.” He said the people at Michigan Tech were very kind and generous, a phrase which MTU Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement William Roberts said, “describes Kanwal and his relationship to the University.”
The documentary chronicles Rekhi’s challenges including a speech impediment that he worked on overcoming most of his life. The film also showed the difficult family situation in which he was raised. Rekhi’s father was a career military officer who didn’t show any affection, confidence or respect for his intellectually gifted son. “If I was going to amount to anything I knew I had to do it on my own.” He did enjoy, however a warm and loving relationship with his mother.
The film also tells the story of Rekhi’s romance and more than 54 year marriage to Ann Holt, an Air Force veteran who was matched with Rekkhi at a pen pal booth at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. They exchanged letters for years and wed shortly after meeting. Ann faced trials of her own including early abuse, depression, a suicide attempt and a battle with cancer. She died in March of 2025.
A touching moment in “Breaking the Code,” comes as the couple is seen walking on the Michigan Tech Campus past the building that bears their names.
Throughout his career, Rekhi has kept his alma mater close, although it took him a while to get back. He left campus after earning his master’s in 1969. “I didn’t come back until 1994,” he told the Gazette. But since that time he has made frequent trips to campus and was on the stage of the Rozsa Center for an extended Q&A following Thursday’s showing of the film. He was joined by his son Ben, who answered questions via Zoom.
The theme of the film, which reflects Rikhi’s life, is about finding one’s purpose and destiny while facing seemingly overwhelming odds including social, racial and religious prejudices.
The 41 North film festival continues today and concludes tomorrow with a full slate of award winning films, all free and open to the public. More can be found at 41northfilmfest.mtu.edu.
While Breaking the Code is not currently available for streaming, you can check its status at justwatch.com