MUMBAI: Acclaimed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi has officially joined Velvet, a cinematic audio storytelling platform, as a co-founder. Designed to revolutionise immersive storytelling, Velvet aims to bring India’s rich oral traditions to a global audience.
Co-founded by Tripathi, along with actor and dialogue coach Vikas Kumar, Akshat Saxena, Varad Bhatnagar, and Sharib Khan, the platform blends traditional Indian storytelling with cutting-edge audio technology. Having launched its beta version for distribution partners in July 2024, Velvet became available to the public in October 2024. It is currently accessible via its website and as a free app on iOS and Android.
A Growing Listener Base
Since its launch, Velvet has amassed over 10,000 listeners on its own platform and more than 1 million listeners through distribution partners such as Josh App in India and Future Today Group in the US. The platform, primarily focused on Hindi content, plans to expand into English and other Indian regional languages.
Blending Tradition with Technology
Positioned as an audio-forward platform, Velvet seeks to create an engaging, imaginative, and cinematic listening experience. The company also aims to collaborate with renowned personalities from various fields, particularly cinematic icons, to lend their voices to its storytelling projects.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Vision
Expressing his excitement about the venture, Tripathi shared:
"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 platform, we wanted to transform this tradition into a cinematic audio experience—one that transports listeners into a world of imagination while staying true to our cultural ethos."
He further emphasised the power of audio storytelling, stating:
"What excites me the most is the ability to connect with audiences worldwide. This platform is not just about entertainment; it’s about preserving and promoting storytelling in a way that resonates with modern listeners. Unlike visual mediums, audio engages the imagination, allowing listeners to dream and form their own unique connections with the narrative. With our team’s shared vision and passion, I believe Velvet will unlock new creative possibilities and inspire countless storytellers across the globe."
With Pankaj Tripathi’s backing, Velvet is set to redefine the future of cinematic audio storytelling, offering listeners an immersive way to experience stories—one that transcends screens and sparks the imagination.
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