International Story Festival: Three Tale Telling Maestros Honored on Day Two at Udaipur Tales
Udaipur. On the second day of the ongoing International Story Festival at the Exotica Resort in the grand Shilpgram Park, three storytellers were honored for their exceptional art of narrative. The festival, organized by Udaipur Tales, witnessed the convergence of magical, romantic, and humorous storytelling talents captivating the audience.In a ceremony held today, three esteemed storytellers were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the world of storytelling. Usha Venkatraman, known for her enchanting voiceovers, melodious tunes, and humorous narratives, Mahamood Farooqui, a master storyteller in the realms of entertainment and education, and Kamala Devi and Sohan Lal Nayak, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through ancient art forms, were acknowledged for their excellence in the art of storytelling.
Kiran Soni Gupta, the director of Western Cultural Affairs, and Udaipur Tales co-founder Sushmita Sinha praised the exemplary work of these storytellers. The day continued with a delightful morning session for children, featuring captivating performances aimed at engaging the young minds.
As the day progressed, the festival showcased a series of entertaining performances with sets designed to allure the audience. Notable artists like Asima Bhatt, who brought stories to life with vivid imagination, and Ashutosh Pandey, blending humor and knowledge in his unique storytelling style, left a lasting impact on the audience.
Anant Dayal, an expert in connecting with the youth through his contemporary musical style, kept the young hearts enthralled with his storytelling. Shikha Talsania, a renowned Indian actress from films like "Veere Di Wedding," added a unique flavor to the evening session with her expressive and emotional storytelling.
Rohini Ramanathan, a highly acclaimed radio personality with nearly two decades of on-air experience in two countries, mesmerized the audience with her skillful narrative. Hema Subramaniam, an experienced professional storyteller, evoked deep emotions and authenticity through her spine-chilling stories.
The international dance artist Jiya Nath presented a mesmerizing Sufi dance in collaboration with a classical virtuoso, showcasing the confluence of sacred dances from around the world.
Sushmita Sinha, co-founder of Udaipur Tales, shared that the final day of the festival promises an enchanting display of stories, featuring diverse artists like Simi Srivastava (Romantic), Akshay Gandhi (Traditional Folklore), Rajat Meghnani (Humor), and Blue Hush (Jazz Music). Morning sessions will include performances by Gautam Mukherjee (Mythological), Rebecca Lemayre (Celtic), Anjana Chandok (Philosophical), and Yugm (Indie Contemporary Band), ensuring the continuation of the magical storytelling spell for the audience.