EXCLUSIVE! Sherdil Writer Apurva Anitya Reveals Inspiration Behind Her Hit Audio Series: It Originated With...

Apurva Anitya, the creator behind the beloved audio series Sherdil on Pocket FM, recently shared insights into her path of becoming a writer, delving into audio storytelling, and other aspects of her journey. In an exclusive interview with Filmibeat, she spoke about the inspiration behind Sherdil, how she developed the characters and a lot more.

Exceprts from the interview.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of the audio series Sherdil on Pocket FM? What motivated you to delve into this particular genre or theme?

Sherdil's inspiration sparked from intense brainstorming; it originated with a man quitting his job, evolving into a captivating narrative. With a lifelong fondness for stories, I was drawn to the concept of audio series, which led me to Pocket FM. The platform offered the ideal space to share engaging stories, fueling my enthusiasm for creative storytelling. Even so, my love for storytelling and desire to offer engaging, relatable narratives inspired me to explore this genre and theme.

The characters in Sherdil seem to have complex personalities and backgrounds. How did you go about developing these characters, and were any of them influenced by real-life experiences or individuals?

Developing the characters in Sherdil was a thoughtful process. The main aim was to craft individuals with authentic depth and diversity. While not directly inspired by real people, we drew insights from common human experiences. The goal was relatability, creating characters akin to everyday individuals, rather than superheroes, fostering a genuine connection with listeners.

The audio series Sherdil appears to blend elements of action, drama, and suspense. How did you approach the process of balancing these different elements to create a captivating and engaging narrative?

Crafting Sherdil's narrative was a task. We had to artfully balance the action, drama, and suspense for an engrossing narrative. The genesis was simple but what truly sets it apart was the diverse characters and unexpected twists. By weaving relatable personas without grandiosity, we ensured a realistic and immersive experience. The unpredictable storyline keeps listeners invested, enriching the narrative with suspenseful turns.

The storyline in Sherdil showcases a mix of intense and emotional moments. Can you elaborate on the challenges you faced in conveying these emotions through an audio-only medium, and what techniques did you use to ensure the listeners connect with the characters?

We aimed to blend intense and emotional moments, but doing so only through audio was greatly challenging. To make listeners feel these emotions, we had to focus on clear dialogue delivery and intense expressive narration. We also used music and sound effects to enhance the experience. We wanted the characters to speak in ways the common man could relate to, like sharing feelings in everyday conversations, which helped us get the listeners to connect to the audio series so deeply.

Sherdil has garnered a dedicated fan base on Pocket FM. How do you perceive the role of fan feedback and interaction in shaping the direction of the series? Have there been any instances where fan reactions influenced the plot or character development?

The love from Sherdil's fans on Pocket FM is incredible and it means a lot to me, personally. Their feedback holds significant importance for us to get an understanding of what they've liked and what can get better. We listen to their thoughts and suggestions very carefully, and draw inspiration from real life to bring the characters to life.