Behind the Curtain: My Storytelling & Puppetry Journey
Fourteen years of tales, travels, and puppets. Here is a look at the journey that brought me here and the stories we share along the way.
This is me back in 2010, when my friend Deepa and I first started Talking Turtles Storytellers. We spent hours listening to, writing, and rewriting stories, learning on the job and finding our voice.
This is me now, in 2024. The journey continues, and my passion for storytelling and puppetry still fills me with purpose and joy. My vision keeps evolving, and I'm excited for all that's ahead.
Stories can teach science in the most magical ways. This folktale about a king who gets rid of all the frogs is a perfect example of how I integrate STEM concepts like ecosystems and food chains into my performances.
Did you know the tale of the Talkative Turtle exists in both Indian and African traditions? This is the magic of the oral tradition, how stories travel across borders and connect us all.
Before the puppets talk, I do. I always take a moment to introduce myself to the children. That 30-second hello builds trust and connection, making all the difference for a young audience.
The calm before the storm. A behind-the-scenes look at my setup before a show. A performance venue plays a huge role, and the energy of the space and the people in it brings out the best in me.
Every show is written twice: once in the stories I carry, and again in the eyes, gasps, and laughter of the audience. The magic happens in the space between us.
A little story from my kitchen. Food and memories are so deeply connected. This carrot halwa reminds me of my mother and the simple, healthy snacks of my childhood.
Happy World Puppetry Day. A tribute to my inspiration, Jim Henson, and to the magical craft that brings healing and happiness to so many. I'm grateful to be a small speck in this wonderful community.
More glimpses from my travels and performances across India. Each city, each audience, and each story adds a new chapter to my journey.
About My Storytelling Journey
Every performance you see in my gallery actually starts thirty minutes before the first child enters the room. I prioritize that quiet, pre-show setup—assembling my black curtain booth, checking the acoustics, and introducing myself to the kids before the puppets even make a sound. It isn't just about the props; it's about building trust in those first thirty seconds so when Paprika the chicken starts her antics, the audience is already on our side.
My journey as a storyteller and puppeteer began in 2010, armed with nothing but a bag of puppets and a desire to keep traditional folktales alive. Back then, it was just about finding my voice. Today, that journey has taken me from Chennai to Mumbai, Bangalore to Delhi, performing for everyone from toddlers in preschools to corporate teams looking for something different.
I view every show as a collaboration. When I retell a Jataka tale or use a puppet to explain a STEM concept, I am looking for that shared giggle or gasp. The puppets—like Paprika, who thinks every show is about her—are my partners in crime. They help break the ice in spaces where people might be reserved.
Whether I am performing at a literature festival, a school library, or a hospital, the goal remains the same: to create a space where we can connect. I do not just read stories; I perform them with music, movement, and a lot of improvisation based on the energy in the room. This work has taught me that stories are not static. They change and grow with every audience I meet, and I am deeply grateful to be the one who carries them from city to city.
If you are looking for a performance that feels human, messy, and real, rather than a polished, static presentation, you are in the right place. Let's find a story that fits your next event.
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