Shruti Kothari | Business Remedies | April 14,2025 | If stories were spells, Shilpa Mehta would be the sorceress casting them—with nothing but her voice, her soul, and a sparkle in her eye.
She doesn’t just narrate—she transports. One moment you’re wandering through a sleepy Rajasthani village, the next, tumbling into the folds of a forgotten folktale. Very recently, she has been honoured with the Women Achiever’s Award by the Rajasthan Chambers of Commerce and Industries (2025) in the Young Women Entrepreneurs category. But that’s only one of the many feathers in her storytelling cap. She has also received the Women Inspiring Award by NHZ, been featured in Her Hustle e-magazine, and recognized with the Inspirational Women Clan Award.
From being named a Women Achiever in Storytelling in Jaipur, to being celebrated by Karyashala Foundation, her storytelling journey has been woven with accolades. But what anchors her, even amidst the applause, is her unwavering belief: “I have a story, and my voice matters.”
So I sat down with the woman behind the magic—over chai, chuckles, and reflections—to explore the world she’s built, one tale at a time.
Shruti: Shilpa, before we dive into your storytelling journey, I’d love to know more about your early years. What was your childhood like?
Shilpa: Shruti, I had a wonderful childhood filled with books, stories, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Growing up, I was always drawn to narratives—be it through folktales my parents shared, literature I devoured, or the simple observations of people around me. I was a keen listener and loved imagining different worlds through the stories I heard.
Shruti: That sounds like the perfect foundation for a storyteller! When did you realize that storytelling was your calling?
Shilpa: “It wasn’t fate or chance. Storytelling found me.”
While I started my career as an educator, teaching MBA and BBA students, I soon discovered that I had a natural inclination for storytelling. Teaching was fulfilling, but I often found myself incorporating stories into my lessons to make them more engaging. Over time, I realized that storytelling wasn’t just a tool I used—it was my passion. So, I made the decision to follow this passion wholeheartedly, and that was the beginning of an incredible journey. Now I am a certified storyteller from Kathalaya International Academy of Storytelling.
Shruti: What a journey it has been! You’ve also received numerous accolades, including the Women Achiever’s Award by Rajasthan Chambers of Commerce and Industries. How do these recognitions shape your perspective?
Shilpa: Awards are affirmations of the path I have chosen. While they are immensely gratifying, what matters most is the impact my stories have on people. Whether it’s an official recognition or a heartfelt message from a listener, knowing that my storytelling has touched someone’s heart is the real reward.
Shruti: You have also performed at some of the most prestigious storytelling festivals—the Korea International Storytelling Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival Outreach Programme, and Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. What does it mean to you to see your voice resonate on such prestigious platforms—and now, soon in Sydney?
Shilpa: Performing at such esteemed platforms has been exhilarating and enriching. Every festival, every audience teaches me something new. Being exposed to different storytelling traditions across cultures has expanded my understanding of narratives and how they resonate universally. It has been a beautiful exchange of art and perspectives.
Also recently, at Kalaa Har Jagah in Jawahar Kala Kendra, I was part of a one-of-a-kind performance where I narrated a story while an artist from Bengaluru, Soumya, painted its essence live—it was a beautiful fusion of voice and visuals. Experiences like these reaffirm that storytelling isn’t just about words; it’s about expression in all its forms. Being selected for the upcoming Sydney International Storytelling Festival in June feels like a continuation of that journey—one I’m truly grateful for.
Shruti: You have successfully built a strong digital presence as well, with ‘Shilpa Story Rack’ on YouTube and collaborations with Talking Stories Radio and Obo-Story mobile. What role do you think digital platforms play in modern storytelling?
Shilpa: Digital storytelling has changed the landscape completely! It has allowed stories to travel across borders instantly, reaching audiences far and wide. My YouTube channel is an effort to keep oral storytelling alive, bringing diverse narratives to children and adults alike. The beauty of digital platforms is their accessibility—anyone, anywhere, can immerse themselves in a good story.
Shruti: You’ve been taking storytelling into schools, orphanages, and colleges. What role does it play in education?
Shilpa: Storytelling makes learning come alive. Kids don’t learn through pressure—they learn when they’re curious, and stories spark that. They help children understand, imagine, and express.
I recently introduced Kahaani Thela in Jaipur, a beautiful initiative originally started by a team in Delhi. We took stories to children in orphanages—many of whom had never experienced a live storytelling session. Watching them laugh, listen, and connect was truly special. It reminded me that stories don’t just teach—they leave a lasting feeling.
Shruti: Outside of storytelling, what are some of your personal interests?
Shilpa: I love music, painting, traveling, and of course, reading and writing. Travel, especially, fuels my storytelling by exposing me to new cultures, traditions, and experiences. Writing is another passion—I often pen down thoughts that eventually take the shape of stories.
Shruti: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring storytellers?
Shilpa: Stay authentic and trust your voice! Every story has value, and the key is to tell it with honesty and heart. Read extensively, observe the world keenly, and most importantly, keep sharing stories. Storytelling is a journey, and the more you immerse yourself in it, the more it evolves with you.
Shruti: That’s such valuable insight, Shilpa! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It has been truly inspiring.
Shilpa: Thank you, Shruti! It was a pleasure having this conversation with you.
Interviewed & Edited By:
Shruti Kothari
