His creation garnered over 650 million plays
In a world brimming with hidden talents, a new generation of young writers is ascending to literary stardom.
Through the enchanting realm of audio stories, these South Asians have harnessed the power of storytelling to transform their lives and captivate audiences worldwide.
These rising stars have managed to weave thrilling tales that resonate with people from every corner of the globe.
These young writers have been part of the Pocket FM team, a global platform that has served as a launching pad for aspiring writers across India.
Celebrating its illustrious 5-year journey, we explore the creative journey undertaken by these youthful visionaries.
Priyanka Rao
Priyanka Rao, at the tender age of 25 and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh, embarked on a path less trodden.
Her initial career was in the Rajasthan private sector.
But a deep-seated desire to pursue a PhD in chemistry propelled her toward an unexpected encounter with Pocket FM, all thanks to a friend’s recommendation.
Brimming with enthusiasm but bereft of a concrete plan, Priyanka took the plunge into this unique industry.
Initially, she kept her career shift a closely guarded secret from her father, confiding only in her mother.
Priyanka’s journey commenced with Pocket FM’s audio series, where her innate talent rapidly gained recognition.
As her confidence burgeoned, she finally unveiled her new career path to her father, who wholeheartedly embraced her endeavours.
Today, Priyanka Rao stands tall as a celebrated writer, renowned for her magnum opus audio series, The Return.
Her story is a testament to her own determination and courage, inspiring other young writers to embrace change and pursue their true passions.
Apurva Anitya
Apurva Anitya is the creative genius behind the resplendent audio series Sherdil.
She epitomises the sheer might of chasing one’s dreams with unbridled passion.
Hailing from a quaint town in Madhya Pradesh, Apurva embarked on her writing journey after her marriage, armed with an MA in economics.
Her professional sojourn began with contributions to magazines and translations, yet financial independence remained elusive.
Fate took a fortunate turn during the lockdown when a friend introduced her to Pocket FM.
With unwavering support from her in-laws and husband, Apurva wholeheartedly embraced the world of audio series through Sherdil.
This newfound career allowed her to work from the comfort of her home, finally achieving financial independence.
Choosing to live independently in a rented apartment with her husband, Apurva revelled in the freedom and financial stability that her writing had bestowed upon her.
Despite sceptics and naysayers, her family’s steadfast belief served as the catalyst for her unbounded creativity.
Apurva credits Pocket FM for transforming her into a self-recognised celebrity, proving that with unwavering grit, success can be achieved.
Swapnil Jain
Swapnil Jain, a versatile artist who seamlessly transitioned from acting to writing, defied the odds to rise as a prominent figure in the entertainment cosmos.
Hailing from the charming town of Bhawani Mandi in Rajasthan, his creative journey spans writing, theatre, and film, which commenced in 2014.
With prowess in acting, directing, and writing for various theatre groups and NGOs, Swapnil’s versatility knows no bounds.
Although initially acclaimed for his web series performances in gems like Crash Course, it was his extraordinary gift for writing that ultimately stole the spotlight.
A pivotal juncture in Swapnil’s career unfolded with his collaboration with Pocket FM.
Here, he played a pivotal role in crafting the groundbreaking audio series Insta Millionaire.
His creation garnered over 650 million plays and multiple accolades.
Deeply ensconced in the world of audio series, Swapnil also penned theatrical works such as Romeo and Juliet in Smart Cities of Contemporary India and HAIN!
Both earned widespread acclaim and secured a cherished spot in national theatre festivals.
Impressively, he donned the dual hats of both writer and actor in the captivating series Rubisha, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Moni Singh
Moni Singh, a 21-year-old student from Bihar, unearthed her passion for storytelling at the tender age of 19.
In doing so, she embarked on a remarkable journey toward creativity and financial independence.
Despite grappling with financial constraints, Moni stepped up to support her family, especially her father, the sole breadwinner.
Moni shattered stereotypes by becoming the first writer in her family, empowering women in Bihar to pursue education and join the workforce.
Her steadfast determination drew strength from her mother, who may have lacked formal education but offered invaluable inspiration and wisdom.
The sheer joy radiating from her father upon receiving Moni’s first paycheck epitomised the family’s boundless pride.
Moni’s debut audio series was Devil se Shaadi, unveiled on Pocket FM.
Balancing her MBA studies with her burgeoning writing career was no small feat, but Moni embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Her debut series struck an immediate chord with listeners, and she attributes her newfound success to the transformative platform offered by Pocket FM.
Piyali Kar
Piyali Kar, the brilliant mind behind Pocket FM’s beloved audio series Maseeha Doctor, has elevated the art of storytelling to new heights.
She is marked by diverse influences, career transitions, and a passion for narrative, embarked upon her unique course in the GEC (General Entertainment Channels).
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Piyali’s upbringing nurtured her deep-seated belief in the universality of stories.
Her adaptability as a small-town girl, coupled with her adventurous exploits in remote Chhattisgarh, enriched her storytelling palette.
Inspired by familial traditions and life experiences, Piyali made the bold leap from traditional media to audio stories, recognising the medium’s potential in a visually saturated era.
Skillfully blending modernity with mythology and culture, Piyali has become a masterful weaver of narratives that forge intimate connections with her audience.
It becomes abundantly clear that these young writers have harnessed the power of words to chart their own unique destinies.
From the streets of Rajasthan to the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, these visionaries have transcended geographical boundaries to share their tales with the world.
They have transformed not only their lives but also the lives of those they’ve touched.
With courage, determination, and unwavering support from loved ones, they’ve paved the way for countless dreamers to follow suit.
Pocket FM, on its remarkable anniversary, has served as a platform for these budding wordsmiths and a beacon of hope for countless others looking to script their own stories of success.