EXCLUSIVE: Pankaj Tripathi begins new venture; turns co-founder for storyteller platform

Renowned actor Pankaj Tripathi has officially joined a storytelling platform, a groundbreaking cinematic audio stories platform, as co-founder. The platform is designed to revolutionise storytelling by delivering immersive audio experiences to audiences globally.

Pankaj Tripathi becomes co-founder of a new storyteller platform

Co-founded by Tripathi, Velvet seeks to take India’s rich oral storytelling heritage to new heights. With its beta version launched for its distribution partners in July, the app officially launched for the public in October 2024. Available currently as a web platform and also as a free-to-download app for iOS and Android.

The move comes with the company’s plan to expand its user base by roping in actor Pankaj Tripathi. The platform has already garnered 10k listeners on its own platform and over 1 million listeners through its distribution partners, which include Josh App in India and Future Today Group in the US.

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Speaking about coming on board with the platform, Pankaj Tripathi said, “Storytelling is deeply rooted in our culture. From folk tales to epics, our stories have always had the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. With this audio platform, we wanted to take this tradition and elevate it into a cinematic experience for the ears—something that transports listeners into a world of imagination while being deeply rooted in our cultural ethos.”

He further adds, “What excites me the most is the opportunity to connect with audiences worldwide and share stories that are uniquely Indian yet universally relatable. This platform is not just about entertainment; it’s about preserving and promoting the art of storytelling in a way that resonates with modern listeners. I believe that audio has the power to evoke emotions in a way that’s different from visual mediums. It allows the listener to imagine, to dream, and to connect with the narrative on a personal level. With the collective vision of our team and the passion behind this project, I am confident that Velvet will open new doors for creative expression and inspire countless storytellers across the globe.”

It is an audio-forward platform that aims to create a unique space for listeners who enjoy engaging, imaginative, and cinematic audio content predominantly in Hindi language with plans to soon have content in English and other Indian regional languages. Fans are excited to witness another story from his journey and experiences.

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