These days, it feels like we’re drowning in quick, forgettable content. But real, meaningful stories? We need them more than ever. That’s what sparked a great conversation with Siddhartha Laik, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of IWMBuzz.com, and Siddharth K. Tewary, who leads Swastik Stories as Founder and Chief Storyteller at the second edition of IWMBuzz Media Summit at Kolkata. What started as a chat about storytelling turned into something deeper—a look at storytelling as a cultural responsibility, not just something to entertain us.
For Siddharth K. Tewary, stories hit close to home. He grew up in Kolkata, a city buzzing with cinema, theatre, books, and music. Creative energy was everywhere. Even when people doubted whether a career in media made sense, he stuck with his gut and chased what felt right instead of looking for approval. That decision, he said, shaped his entire path as a storyteller.
Siddharth K. Tewary is known for bringing Indian epics like the Mahabharat, Ramayan, and tales of Radha and Krishna to new audiences. He doesn’t see these stories as ancient relics—they’re alive, packed with emotion, conflict, doubt, and faith. Each generation finds something new in them. When you tell these tales with honesty and real feeling, the characters become complicated, relatable, and just as rich as anything you’ll find in global pop culture.
The talk also dug into how fast media is changing. Audiences are scattered, speaking different languages, and growing up with influences from all over the world. Tewary sees the challenge: don’t water down traditional stories, but find fresh ways to present them—new platforms, formats, and languages—while keeping their heart intact. He believes good content draws people in first; it teaches without ever sounding like a lecture.
And then comes AI —yes, they’re changing the game, making storytelling easier. But tools are just tools. The magic still comes from emotion, instinct, and real-life experience. Technology can help tell the tale, but it can’t be the storyteller.
One idea that really stood out was Bharatverse—a major project aimed at helping Indian kids everywhere connect with their culture. It’s a platform that doesn’t care what language you speak. Through audio stories, animation, music, and motion comics, Bharatverse wants to be the cultural friend kids can hold onto as they grow up.
Bottom Line: Real confidence in your culture starts with knowing where you come from. Through patience, honesty, and stories that mean something.
Note: The transcription and summarisation above have been partially generated with the help of AI.
Watch the session here to experience a full-fledged, insightful session:
The second edition of IWMBuzz Media Summit in Kolkata was presented by Swastik Stories, powered by Dangal TV, Workmates and OTT Play. Associate partners Havas Play, Nett Value Media and Tribes. Partners—White Apple, Just Lateral Think Ink, Decalogue and The Heritage Academy. An initiative by IWMBuzz Live.
