‘The story is the real hero!’ ‘It all begins with the words!’ ‘The magic lies in the writing!’ These phrases are often thrown around in the entertainment fraternity, but are writers truly empowered? While writing is the most important element of any creative project, it’s very rare that writers are given absolute freedom to express themselves. It’s even rarer to see pure Hindi writers being embraced and encouraged like earlier times. In the digital era though, things are changing for the better, and faster than we can imagine!

The online world is making sure that writers, especially Hindi storytellers, can explore their craft without any compromises on their vision. In the OTT space, series such as Panchayat, Jamtara and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter are prime examples of how stories based in India’s Hindi heartland are turning out to be viral hits. Their success goes on to prove that audiences are no longer fixated on one region or one language in their consumption preferences. What comes as a pleasant surprise though, is that the visual medium is just one of the online platforms where writers rule the roost.

Platforms like Pocket FM and Pocket Novel are providing storytellers with mediums to diversify their craft. While Pocket FM allows writers to invest in the unique space of audio based storytelling, Pocket Novel gives writers a chance to take their novels to a wider set of audience worldwide. Writers like Moni Singh, Puja Sawarbandhe and Jigyasa are some of the top names on Pocket Novel, with their work being translated in the audio format on Pocket FM, too. Offering unique and gripping tales in a fresh format, it comes as no surprise that both these platforms have been fetching massive numbers in terms of subscriber base and readership.

On the newfound opportunities in the digital era, writer Jigyasa of Pocket FM series such as Majburi Mein Bandha Ek Rishta, said, “I hail from a small town in Bihar, for me to feature as a writer on a leading audio series platform like Pocket FM, and see my work resonating with audiences across the globe, is a dream come true in more ways than one. That’s the true power of the digital medium, it is giving wings to talents coming from different parts of India, without any language barrier to restrict or reserve their abilities.”

Talking about her experience, writer Moni Singh of Pocket FM’s Devil Se Shaadi fame, said, “Hindi is the language I think in, and inevitably write in too. There is an inherent local Hindi flavor in my storytelling, and I have been fortunate to be a part of platforms like Pocket FM and Pocket Novel, where language was never a barrier to explore my creativity. It is this freedom that led me to think out of the box and deliver content that is resonating with so many people today.”

Sharing her thoughts on creative expression in different platforms, writer Puja Sawarbandhe, the name behind titles such as My Adorable Wifey on Pocket Novel, said, “The advent of digital storytelling has given writers a chance to try out various mediums to explore their craft. Pocket Novel has empowered me to not only connect with a larger audience, but also connect with them in a way I could never before. Their comments and their feedback are very impactful on every project. The digital era is truly meant for writers to be free and fearless!”

In today’s world, language has become an asset, rather than a barrier in the entertainment industry. As writers, including Hindi writers, leave a distinct and formidable mark in the digital space, one can only see this trend growing stronger and healthier in the coming times. What could be a better way to commemorate Hindi Diwas?