‘Every story I tell must make people wonder’: Sudhanshu Rai

For Sudhanshu Rai, storytelling has always been more than a hobby — it is a way of life. “I’ve always loved observing people and imagining stories,” he says. “When I was a child, I would tell my friends little made-up stories. The real start came when my wife, Manisha, asked me to tell her stories every night. She encouraged me to do it professionally, and that changed everything.”

Since then, Rai has written over 500 stories across genres, from mystery and horror to science fiction. His most famous creation, Detective Boomrah, has become one of India’s most loved detective characters, appearing in podcasts, web series, and live storytelling shows.

From stories at home to films on screen

Rai began sharing his stories on social media and podcasts, and they quickly found an audience. His calm, clear voice and ability to build suspense made listeners come back for more.

In 2021, he made his first film, Chaipatti, a horror comedy he wrote, directed, and acted in. “It was my first experience working both in front of and behind the camera,” he recalls. “As a storyteller, conveying emotions comes naturally, but cinema is a completely different ball game. You have to show those emotions visually for the audience. Thankfully, with the support of my team and my friend Puneet Sharma, we were able to bring the story to life on screen.”

After Chaipatti, Rai brought Detective Boomrah to the screen, followed by Chintaa Mani, a psychological thriller. “People wanted thrillers with unexpected twists,” he says. “Boomrah is confident, clever, and also a little spiritual. Playing him myself allowed me to bring the character exactly as I first imagined him.”

The making of Detective Boomrah

The idea for Detective Boomrah came from Rai’s understanding of what audiences wanted. “I realised there were very few detective characters for Indian audiences,” he explains. “I wanted to create a modern character they could relate to — someone confident, flamboyant, with a childhood touched by spiritual beings, who could take them into a world full of unexplored mysteries. That’s how Boomrah was born. What makes him special is his ability to engage audiences in a thrilling, immersive journey every time.”

Rooted in Gorakhpur

Rai grew up in a village near Gorakhpur, and his early life influences his storytelling. “I learned a lot from the people around me — ordinary people and saints alike,” he says. His upcoming film, BAIDA, a sci-fi thriller about time travel, is shot in Gorakhpur and Delhi. It uses Bhojpuri language and local culture to bring authenticity to a story about science, faith, and destiny.

Many roles, one passion

Rai wears many hats — storyteller, actor, director — and he enjoys each one. “Each role feeds my creative soul differently,” he reflects. “As a storyteller, my imagination has wings. As an actor, I live and breathe the character. As a director, I translate my vision into something the audience can connect with. Rather than thinking of it as balancing, I truly enjoy every part of the creative journey.”

He has also taken storytelling to the stage with BhayGatha Live, combining narrative, music, and cinematic lighting for an immersive experience. “We definitely plan to take BhayGatha Live to other cities and even internationally,” he says. “For each city, we’ll infuse the show with local cultural flavours and add live music and dynamic lights, creating a fully cinematic storytelling experience for audiences everywhere.”

Stories beyond entertainment

Rai’s live shows have attracted corporate attention as well. “Stories connect people,” he says. “They are not just entertainment — they can be used to engage teams and inspire creativity.”

Also Read: ‘I always wanted to be an actor, not a star’: Govind Pandey

Most of his stories are available on his YouTube channel, Kahanikaar Sudhanshu Rai, and on podcast platforms like Storytel, Spotify, and Audible. He has also served as a jury member for awards such as the ET SPOTT Awards, recognising excellence in digital content.

The evolving world of storytelling

Rai sees the rise of OTT platforms as a chance for creators to experiment. “Creativity knows no boundaries,” he says. “Audiences today are more exposed to quality content and diverse storytelling. OTT or traditional cinema — each has its own strengths. What matters is presenting your vision without losing the essence of the story.”

Always learning

Even after years of success, Rai remains humble. “Every story teaches me something,” he says. “No matter how many I’ve told, I feel there’s always more to explore. I just want people to feel wonder again. That feeling of awe is where every story truly begins.”

From Gorakhpur to Delhi, from podcasts to films, Rai’s journey shows that storytelling is not about fame — it’s about imagination, curiosity, and giving audiences a world they can lose themselves in.