Best Storytellers In India And How To Become One
When we were young, do you recall going to see your grandparents? We used to run around the neighborhood like nomads, playing in the streets. But it was 'Dadi ki kahaaniyan,' which led us through invisible worlds with tales of love, grandeur, heroism, and, at times, witches and ghosts that we eagerly anticipated.
We grew older and further away from that wonderful experience as time passed. The art of storytelling has endured the test of time owing to certain new-age storytellers who are bringing it to new heights.
Let's Take A Look At Some Of The Famous Oral Storytellers Of The Present Time
Neelesh Misra
Neelesh Misra began his working life as a journalist. Neelesh never gave up his enthusiasm for creating and narrating stories while pursuing his journalistic career. His determination and dedication brought him to the studios of a popular FM station, where he began hosting a show called 'Yaadon ka Idiot Box.'
Neelesh Misra's storytelling skills, as fate would have it, captured the hearts of listeners, and he quickly became a household name. He went on to compose screenplays and song lyrics for a lot of important Bollywood films, as well as winning several prizes.
His popularity has soared to unprecedented heights, as evidenced by the audience's never-ending clapping when he simply shouts 'Kahaniyan sunata hun' on stage. He is undoubtedly one of the best storytellers in India.
Vikram Sridhar
Sit-down storytelling, according to Vikram Sridhar, founder of Around the Story Tree, is just as entertaining and engaging as stand-up comedy. Vikram is a popular storyteller in India for his storytelling sessions with children of diverse ages and from various cities. Vikram has done at least 120 sessions across India, according to an article in The Hindu.
His unique selling point is that he can tell the same narrative in a 15-minute style for children and a longer format for adults. He believes that storytelling as a performance art form in India is still in its infancy and has a long way to go. His stories typically revolve around history, mythology, and folklore.
Geeta Ramanujam
She is one of the country's most experienced and best storytellers, with over 22 years of experience. She founded the Academy of Storytelling, the world's only globally recognized Academy for Storytelling. The seasoned storyteller is interested in influencing young brains to think differently by shifting their thinking and creativity.
Her motto is that in order to tell a good narrative, you must first listen well. Geeta Ramanujam has also established the Kathalaya Trust, which aspires to change the world through storytelling.
How To Be A Storyteller In India?
A storyteller is someone who tells or reads stories to groups of people of all ages, using imaginative oration to invoke setting, characters, themes, and morals.
The storyteller and the audience usually sit or stand close together. This creates an atmosphere that helps the storyteller to establish a strong connection, a personal tie, and a sense of community with their audience.
To become a storyteller, you need to have the following qualities:
Communication And Observation Skills
When delivering a story, it is common to think like a writer and a reader at the same time. What is more important for either is the ability to use one's senses to enrich the story. A keen eye for detail is a valuable asset for any storyteller.
A good storyteller must be able to communicate with a wide range of people, from business clients to school officials to people of all ages.
A Sensation Of The Audience
A story is only as good as the audience's ability to immerse themselves in it. As a result, it is critical to understand how to use your voice and body language to manipulate and engage your audience.
Experimentation Willingness
While storytelling is an age-old art, the stories we tell are always changing. A good storyteller must be willing to experiment and venture outside of their comfort zone.
A Smidgeon Of Theatrics
Storytelling differs from other types of literature presentations in several ways. Storytellers, unlike authors who read their stories aloud or slam poets who perform their work, must be able to physically embody the story they are telling. It is similar to theater as an art form in that regard.
Conclusion
Although formal vocational or professional training is not required, India has institutes such as Kafqa Academy that train those people who are interested in careers such as theater or storytelling or public speaking.
Kafqa Academy provides online storytelling classes which can be accessed from the comfort of your home. Their storytelling course includes a smart framework of storytelling English speech classes that will ultimately help you to master the art of storytelling.