Mumbai: Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi has joined Velvet, a cinematic audio storytelling platform, as co-founder. The platform, launched in October 2024, aims to redefine storytelling by offering immersive audio experiences to audiences worldwide.
Co-founded by Tripathi, actor and dialogue coach Vikas Kumar, Akshat Saxena, Varad Bhatnagar, and Sharib Khan, Velvet is committed to reviving and modernizing India’s rich oral storytelling heritage using cutting-edge technology.
Since its beta launch in July 2024 for distribution partners, followed by its public launch in October, Velvet has seen remarkable growth. The platform has 10,000 listeners on its own app and over 1 million listeners through distribution partners like Josh App in India and Future Today Group in the US. Available as a web platform and a free app on iOS and Android, Velvet is designed for audiences who enjoy cinematic, engaging, and imaginative audio content, primarily in Hindi, with plans to expand into English and regional Indian languages.
The platform’s vision is to blend traditional Indian narratives with modern technology, creating immersive storytelling experiences for global audiences. Velvet aims to bring on board prominent voices, particularly from cinema, literature, and various creative fields, to elevate its storytelling experience.
Speaking about his association with the platform, Pankaj Tripathi shared his enthusiasm, “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 added, “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.”
With Pankaj Tripathi’s involvement, Velvet is set to expand its reach and audience engagement, leveraging his influence to attract more listeners, storytellers, and voice talents. The platform plans to:
- Introduce content in multiple languages beyond Hindi, including English and regional Indian dialects
- Collaborate with prominent voices from Bollywood and beyond for exclusive storytelling experiences
- Expand distribution partnerships to bring Velvet’s unique content to a global audience
- Integrate advanced audio technology to enhance listener experience and engagement
