From Oral Legends to Digital Waves: Partho Dasgupta on India’s Podcasting Evolution


India’s storytelling tradition is experiencing a digital renaissance, and Partho Dasgupta believes podcasts are at the heart of this transformation. Once dominated by folk tales and mythic narratives passed down orally, storytelling now finds expression in audio podcasts, which blend intimacy and accessibility. As smartphones penetrate deeper into urban and rural markets, the podcasting format is quickly gaining traction, positioning India as the third-largest market for podcast listeners globally. Yet, despite this progress, only 12% of the population currently engages with podcasts, revealing a massive untapped audience.
Partho Dasgupta emphasizes this latent potential and envisions a content revolution driven by diverse voices, particularly in regional languages. With creators like Ranveer Allahabadia and Sadhguru capturing millions of loyal followers, Indian podcasts are not just entertainment—they’re platforms of influence. The Podcast Pulse report further highlights that 82% of people were unaware of podcasts until recently, underscoring a recent wave of discovery. As advertising dollars flow in and listeners grow, storytelling in India is poised to reach new frontiers through sound.
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