While the Indian film industry is full of actors who make the audience spellbound each time they appear on the screen, there is a coveted league that has special fondness for a very special form of art – storytelling. This ancient art form has been passed through generations as a mode of entertainment and messenger of cultures, customs and traditions. And what would be better than hear some such captivating tales from those who are professional & notable actors. Take a look at these actors, who are also some of India’ best storytellers.
Sudhanshu Rai
From podcasts to radio, LIVE storytelling shows and films, this actor is an outstanding storyteller, most popular among the audience for his sci-fi, detective, horror, mystery, suspense and thriller stories. With more than 200 stories already conceived and released, he has also translated some of his stories into out-of-the-box films and web series such as Chaipatti, Chintaa Mani and Detective Boomrah. The most remarkable facet of this storyteller-actor is his LIVE storytelling shows, which is widely being adopted as an employee engagement and entertainment activity in the corporate circle.
Danish Husain
Critically acclaimed for his work in Bombay Begums, Mee Raqsam, Delhi Crime and Taj Mahal 1989, among many others, Danish Husain is equally popular for his efforts to revive Dastangoi through the series Qissebaazi. The director, actor and storyteller who hails from theatre background found this to be a wonderful platform to play out stories of fantasy, trickery, magic that could be performed anywhere. As per him, ‘the actors perform with their voices and upper torso of the body only. His famous acts include Qissa Urdu Ki Akhiri Kitaab Ka, his project Qissebaazi etc. They are telling stories not just in Urdu but Hindi and other regional languages as well and preserving it in the form of videos, tv and web series.
Neena Gupta
This versatile actor surprised many last year when she turned storyteller for a popular radio station. Her show, titled Aakhiri Rishta, was a series of podcast comprising of 30 episodes, based on the life of Shanti Mehra and Vinod Bannerjee who fall in love when they are well into their 60s. Written by Ankita Salunkhe, this show is narrated by Neena Gupta who has never refrained from working on topics that are considered taboo. It is also probably a reflection on her own life, as she herself got married to a Delhi based Chartered Accountant at the age of 49. Though she has always worked in different films and appreciated as an actor her recent films like Badhaai Ho, Shubh Mangal ZyaadaSavdhan, Uunchai have struck a different cord with the audience.
Shweta Tripathi
The Masaan actress turns everything that she touches into gold. Whether it be her projects on OTT, her films or her stint with Hindi storytelling on Unerase. Her poetic story ‘Tum Bilkul Amazing Ho’, an inspirational tale for those looking for a shining star in their life was loved by the audience. Her other works include Tum Ladki Ho, Bachpan, A Letter To my younger self are equally motivational. Interspersed with music, the tales manage to touch the heart, and also carry across the point. She is also developing her own concepts and stories and we can definitely expect more fire crackers from her.
Ratna Pathak Shah
The actor par excellence needs no introduction. During Covid lockdown she playfully narrated a story titled ‘Chuhiya ki Shaadi.’ It was a part of her work for Avehi Abacus Project, as part of primary education curriculum in 2000. The video was shot at home and included illustrations to cater to the young audience it was targeted at and led to a wholesome experience. The story talks about harmonious co-existence of forces of nature like fire, water, wind, sky and all beings. The powerful and simplistic story is a pedagogical tool to communicate a strong message in a language that kids understand best.