The ParrotHouse Podcast

In this retelling of the folktale, a spoilt, grief-stricken King refuses to move on with his life after the passing of his vain, beautiful Queen. But when the Boddhisatta turns his curious eye towards the head-scratching Kingdom in abrupt standstill, the Boddhisatta makes the grieving King meet his Queen once again. Although now, she is in her latest form as a dung beetle. Would you love your soul...

Is there any way a secret can stay within its boundary of listeners? In this story, the King’s hidden truth reveals itself and finds a voice, questioning the dynamics between power and silence. Narrated through the eyes of nature (a tree), this tale makes you wonder if a secret or the truth is ever safe.  Credits Director: Nikhita Singh Writer: Jasmin Thakar Cast: Ananya Ramchandran, Chanakya Mukh...

Let this peculiar folktale from one of the many temple towns of Tamil Nadu carry you across the veil of time, from murmurs of the living to the wispy whispers of the dead and long forgotten. Contemplate upon remnants of life that linger in death, as we reflect on how the dead breathe through the living. Credits Director: Nikhita Singh Writer:  Aashika Prabhakar Cast: Aditya Kashyap, Chanakya Mukhe...

In this episode of Parrot House (तोता घर) , the timeless Punjabi folktale of Sohni and Mahiwal — a tale of forbidden love, longing, and fate is revived to life. Sohni, a gifted potter’s daughter, falls for Izzat Baig, a trader from Bukhara. Bound in an unwanted marriage, she secretly crosses the Chenab each night to meet him, defying her family and village. But betrayal shatters their escape, and...

On the nights when the moon is shining in the sky with all its light, a shadow rabbit appears within it. The tale is one of true altruism, of finding unanticipated eternity in the grandest of places by the smallest of creatures. What begins as an attempt to keep a promise unravels the story of how moonlight, as one knows it today, has carried the memory of kindness and legacy forever.  Credits Dir...

Have you ever held onto something so tightly that it found its own way out? In this first episode of ParrotHouse, we unravel the tale of a housewife whose untold story and unsung song take on a life of their own. A story of magic, longing, and the need to express what’s buried within. Tune in and find out why some stories simply can’t stay silent… Credits Writer-Director: Nikhita Singh Cast: Aathi...

The southern regions of our country have been familiar with the ocean since time immemorial. This is why we think we know the ocean quite well. But what if there's something more out there? What mysteries lurk right on our shores? And what happens when we come face to face with them? Credits Director: Nikhita Singh Writer: Akarsh Sharma Cast: Gokul Krishnan, Harshad Sambamurthy, Isha Tyagi, Omkar...

How do we truly understand courage? Is it in the roar of a lion, or the quiet determination of someone who leads without fanfare? In this episode, we bring you a tale from the vibrant heart of Punjab that raises thought-provoking questions about the meaning of true leadership, the fragility of borrowed identities, and the perils of judging strength by appearances. Credits Director: Nikhita Singh W...

In the depths of Manipur’s jungle, a jackal’s chance discovery - a gleaming coin - sets off a chain of events that captivates the entire forest. Whispers of magic, power, and ambition spread like wildfire. But the jungle has its own rules. Can the jackal bend fate to his will, or is he chasing an illusion? Credits Director: Nikhita Singh Writer: Pauline Awungshi Cast: Aathira Gopi, Akarsh Sharma,...

In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a village thrives in harmony with nature - until neglect severs the bond. When a young man disappears, the community is forced to reckon with what they’ve forgotten. A story of loss, remembrance, and the unseen forces that remind us to honor the world around us. Credits Director: Nikhita Singh Writer: Pauline Awungshi Cast: Aathira Gopi, Gokul Krishnan, Harshad...

The ParrotHouse Podcast is where stories, songs, and their tellers and singers gather. We attempt to dive into India’s rich landscape of folklore, and take you on journeys to different parts of the country — to tell you more about the life and times, the myths and magic of this vast land.  Through this podcast, we aim to celebrate Indian folklore and make it accessible and engaging for a contempor...