Mumbai: On 20 March every year, people around the globe come together to celebrate World Storytelling Day. This occasion honors the art of storytelling and recognises its impact on societies throughout history. From ancient oral traditions to modern-day literature, storytelling has been a fundamental means of communication, education, and cultural preservation.
At its core, storytelling is about sharing experiences, emotions, and ideas. Through narratives, we can explore different perspectives, empathize with others, and forge connections across cultures and generations. Whether conveyed through spoken word, written prose, visual imagery, or digital media, stories have the power to inspire, educate, entertain, and provoke change.
On this special occasion Indiantelevision.com caught up with storyteller actor & filmmaker Sudhanshu Rai, where he talked about the evolution of storytelling in India and lot more..
Edited excerpts
On oral storytelling evolving in modern times
The cave engravings were possibly the very first form of storytelling, at times depicting enchanting stories through pictures that were universal and on many occasions passing on knowledge to the next generation. Storytelling has been a part of cultures across the world, probably since the evolution of mankind. Most of us for instance remember stories by our grandparents who would tell tales of Panchatantra, of kings and queens and fairies and demons. We all have fond memories of those stories.
In modern times, storytelling has also evolved drastically and explored dimensions that were unheard of. While a definitive role has been played by growth of social media and other digital podcast streaming platforms, storytelling is a proven success in radio format. Another example of the evolution of the ancient art is LIVE storytelling, which is an unparalleled form of wholesome entertainment. Furthermore, there are many genres that are being explored by the best storytellers in India. There is newfound adulation for stories that hail from genres such as detective, sci-fi, horror, thriller etc, even as comedy, romantic and inspirational stories remain the all time favourites.
On Indian storytellers adding new dimensions to this traditional art
Through storytelling we are not just passing on art and stories to the next generation, we are preserving history, culture and language, and also creating a time capsule that can take us back in that time every time we listen to it. The new age Indian storytellers are taking the simple storytelling forward with a multi-pronged approach. With digital and social mediums like YouTube etc, one can now share stories with a much wider listener base. Timed with jump scares, voice modulations, music and sound effects, they can create stories that are remembered for a long time. And then there is a growing affinity for Live Storytelling. Ensuring a theatre or concert like experience, here the storyteller takes the audience virtually to unexplored worlds. Through impactful oration, ambient lighting and curated music, the storyteller weaves an old kingdom, a jungle or a hitherto unknown land where nobody has ever been before. The point to note here is that LIVE storytelling has even proven to be one of the most impactful employee engagement & entertainment activities, while it’s also known to enhance the imagination skills of growing children.
On elements that make live storytelling a wholesome experience
These Live Storytelling shows have captured the attention of the audience like never before. While sound designers and engineers work on the production to make it a seamless experience, there are many more artists involved. At times a visual representation is also accompanying the storytelling enabling the audience to have a beautiful experience. Experimentation is also being seen in the storylines and genres. The audience loves a great thriller or a horror story and even those with time travel or mystical elements. And all of this comes together to create an experience for the audience that they have never had before.
On fictional characters including the iconic ones like Detective Boomrah
When I sit down to create any character, the intention is always to create somebody with their own distinct personality, yet relatable. So many of my characters are based on personality traits of real-life people. Even the naming of characters is a long drawn process. So, if it is a story of a common girl, let’s say Mausami in one of my popular stories, Gulabi Rang, then the name will be a not so common one, but one that is relatable. People often think, oh yes, we know a Mausami around us. But when I am naming characters like Detective Boomrah, then the name should resonate with his personality. It is a unique name, something which many of us haven’t heard earlier. And in this quest, I will think and search till I find the right name.
On Dr Shekhawat setting to make its on-screen debut in your upcoming feature film
Dr Shekhawat has solved many cases dealing with supernatural and psychiatry in stories written by me. He has the ability to decipher phenomena and events that maybe beyond the understanding of a normal person. Immensely intelligent, he is sharp, has a great understanding of the parallel word and is the right culmination of brain and brawn. He is charismatic, and has great physical prowess. And Dr Shekhawat is an integral part of our upcoming sci-fi thriller film that is gearing for launch soon. Tarun Khanna has essayed the character of Dr Shekhawat and he has done full justice to the character.
On being a storyteller helping you as an actor and filmmaker
As a storyteller I have already shared hundreds of stories with my fans and continue to fulfil their demand by releasing new stories on my official YouTube channel regularly. Being a storyteller primarily strengthens my fundamentals as an actor and a storyteller, because ultimately it’s a story that is at the crux of any format of cinema, whether it’s a feature film or a web series. Chaipatti, Chintaa Mani and Detective Boomrah, all our previous projects had story at its centre, rather than a conventionally popular name or face. Being the writer of the stories further helps me understand the intricacies of a character better as an actor.
My upcoming Hindi feature film is a never-seen-before sci-fi thriller. The audience will see the Hindi heartland of the country in its true and real form, but with unimaginable elements thrown in that will surprise them every time. For more, you will have to watch the film in theatres. An announcement on the release will be made shortly.
