Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2025 6th Edition.

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Udaipur Tales 2025| The 6th Edition

Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2025 6th Edition

Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2025
6th Edition

We are delighted to announce the 6th edition of Udaipur Tales, International Storytelling Festival being organised on 10th, 11th & 12th January, 2025 at Park Exotica Resort, Udaipur.

This year we are bringing one of the top names in the field of storytelling and each session is going to be inspiring, engaging and interactive!

Event Schedule

Artist & Performance

Shona malhotra

SHONA MALHOTRA

The Unlucky Man : A man who believes he’s the unluckiest person alive decides to change his fate. He sets off on a journey to find a wise man who holds the secret to turning his luck around.
The Freedom Bird: A fearless Hunter ventures deep into the forest, only to encounter a bird so extraordinary, it changes his life forever. But here’s the twist—you’re not just here to listen; you’re part of the adventure!


NISHA SINHA

NISHA SINHA

I weave tales that touch hearts and open doors to communication. I’m Nisha Harkawat Sinha, a storyteller and traveler. Through my experiences and narratives, I’ve found a bridge that not only connects me with listeners but also transforms us both.

Engaging with children through stories has especially shaped me into who I am today.


SUKHMANI KOHLI

SUKHMANI KOHLI

Sukhmani kohli (Nana the Clown) has been a theatre and clown practitioner for 18 years. Her work as a clown performer, director and facilitator is centred around creating experiences for people of all ages that sparks play and joy, enabling them to be real and authentic and have deep, transformative connections. Having shared her clowning gifts nationally and internationally, she has directed several clown and theatre productions which have been performed across the country. She uses ‘non-serious’ playful practices to explore ‘serious’ themes like identity, grief and conflict. She has worked with and mentored several organisations in India that work with youth and children around gender, sexuality, active citizenship and sustainability. She has also taught clowning in Institutes like National School of Drama, Tripura and Srishti Manipal Institute of Design, Bengaluru. She is the Director of Purple Mangoes, a group of clown performers and facilitators.


Vilas Jhanve

VILAS JHANVE – ” CHETAK “

This story highlights the contribution and sacrifice of a loyal animal in the great freedom struggle. It pays tribute to the loyal and energetic steed Chetak, the trusted companion of Mewar’s Sun, Maharana Pratap. The narrative not only reflects the sacrifice of a devoted horse but also showcases Maharana Pratap’s deep affection for Chetak.

This historical tale, which evokes awe and admiration, has been connected to contemporary times in a humble attempt to instill a love for the environment among children.


 

DEBJANI – THE UNTOLD STORY OF SURPANKHA

Surpanakha had lost both, her husband and her son, and was left all alone in her fight for revenge. She was distraught with misery and panic. An unusual loneliness engulfed her in Dandaka Forest..

DEBJANI unfolds the legend.


AHMAD FARAZ – HORROR STORY

“Mano to Sach, na mano to rahasya” – Reality if you believe, and a mystery if you don’t. This chilling tale, inspired by true events, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ahmad Faraz, is a captivating storyteller who will transport you to a world where reality blurs with the unknown.


AJAY KUMAR – BADA BHAND (बड़ा भांड) – Mixing fiction with realty

The art of “Katha-Vachan-Gayan” (storytelling-reading-singing) is rare and legendary, and has roots in both myth and legend.

AJAY KUMAR, faculty of National School of Drama (NSD), relates Vijaydan Detha’s breathtaking tale in his own distinctive style.


QUTUBI BROTHERS – Haji Mohammad Idris and Arshad Qutubi

Qutbi Brothers are one of India’s most celebrated qawwali singers, having created a world record of 12 hours of nonstop live singing. They belong to the illustrious family of the Sarawa Gharana. Inheritors of a 750 year-old tradition have mesmerised national and international audience, and are renowned all over the world for their soulful and meaningful music.


VICKY AHUJA ( JASHN-e-QALAM )

SARDAR JI ( Written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas’s ) 

“Sardar ji” is the immortal story of K.A. Abbas. A poignant tale of changed emotions during the partition of 1947. A story of the death of hatred & fear.

The emotion of the memories will be brought alive by an unforgettable rendition by Vicky Ahuja.


DEVDUTT PATTANAIK – SATI SAVITRI

Sati Savitri presents the complex web of Indian culture and how gender dynamics are portrayed in it. He explores the rich mythological traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism in a thought-provoking way, revealing the complex relationship between feminism and patriarchy.

DEVDUTT PATTANAIK, a mythologist, thru sati Savitri, throws light on how male energy correspondingly depends on female energy to create the balance of good and bad.


SHILPA MUDBI Kothakota and ADITHYA Kothakota – TRACING THE ROOTS THROUGH FOLKLORE

The folklore of Yellamma: the transformation of a young beautiful princess Renuka to powerful Goddess Yellamma, narrated in captivating style through a music and storytelling performance. The story narration will be in English, interspersed with songs in Kannada, Marathi, Urdu and Hindi

SHILPA MUDBI Kothakota and ADITHYA Kothakota bring to the fore, lesser-known folk forms in the Yellamma and other stories.


PRIYANKA CHATTERJEE – “WHISPERS OF THE FORGOTTEN:The echoes from the silent past”

A Journey within a journey, of echoes of unsung melodies, untold stories,   unshared emotions and all that was locked away inside us. Do they become ghost that come back to haunt us?

Whispers of the Forgotten: a mesmerising tale, intertwining ancient narratives with a contemporary style, by Priyanka Chatterjee, the famous Golpo Didi of Kolkata


RAJAT MENGHNANI – MOHABBAT KE PHOOL

Rajat, the maestro of voices, will bring to life a heart-wrenching love story from ancient times. This tale of a passionate king and a talented poetess is a timeless reminder of love’s enduring power.

Join us as Rajat weaves this tragic romance into the tapestry of Udaipur Tales.


NEHA BAHUGUNA – PAHADI KAHANIYAN

Memories of the pristine hills, music rolling down the slopes and apples ready to be plucked. Then, a journey within and outside. A story of evolution of a “Pahadi”…

Jungli jee and Pehchan, two intertwined stories from the remote corners of Uttarakhand by Neha Bahuguna.


SHWETA NADKARNI – ROMEO & JULIET WITH A SPIN 

“Happily ever after…or what if it didn’t?” Shweta Nandkarni reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, exploring what might have been if their love story had taken a different turn.

Most fascinating spin to Romeo and Juliet by Shweta Nandkarni , Her unique interpretation of this classic tale will leave you pondering the enduring power of love and the choices we make.”


Makrand Deshpandey

Makrand Deshpande

Makrand Deshpande is a renowned Indian actor, writer, and director, celebrated for his versatility and captivating stage presence.  Known for his distinctive style and unconventional roles in films like “Jungle” “Sarfarosh” and “Swades” Deshpande has garnered critical acclaim for his performances across Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.  His contributions extend beyond the silver screen with a prolific career in theatre, including over 50 short plays and 40 full-length productions. Deshpande’s unique blend of wit, humor and dramatic intensity makes him a truly captivating storyteller and we are honored to welcome him to Udaipur Tales. 

 JULIANA MARIN FRYLING (Latin America) – THE SCARECROW IN THE SKY

Colombia is a land where stories are still alive, and you kind of have to still believe in magic. Through tales of magical realism from the heart of South America, join a travelling storyteller on a journey to a world of dreams. A world where indigenous myth tangles with the city, the impossible hangs out behind the sunrise, and no matter how far your heart breaks, you can always find your way back home.


FOUZIA – DASTANE-GHALIB

Choosing apt incidents from the poet’s life, the dastan etches out this legendary poet in a biographical format, showcasing Ghalib’s attributes well. Recalling how he lost his father and uncle early in life, it moves on to cover his childhood, youth and the later period.

FOUZIA, the first female dastango narrates the story and the poems compellingly. She succeeds in bringing out the pathos, humour, wit and finer nuances of the great poet, through the right pauses and stress, facial expressions, and hand, body and eye movements.


SAMEER RAHAT

Sameer Rahat, aka SR, is a Bombay-based polymath who effortlessly blends the roles of performer, poet and a film composer. His musical journey, spanning over 17 years, has evolved from indie singer-songwriter to a critically acclaimed and award-winning architect of cinematic soundscapes, poems and songs.

Rooted in a childhood immersed in the poetry of his legendary Urdu poet parents, Anjum Rehbar and Rahat Indori, SR’s music is a profound exploration of human experiences. SR’s contributions to the Indian entertainment industry, including collaborations on major projects for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sony Liv, cemented his status as a versatile and influential artist.

A perfect finale with a regaling performance of finely woven blend of his poetic compositions.


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