🖊️Manish Paul

At Kolkata's book fair, Goppo Mirer Thek wove enchanting vocal narratives, transcending printed pages into a mesmerizing experience.
The Kolkata Book Fair, far from being just a marketplace for books, is a hub for the live demonstration and exploration of the various mediums that bring books to life. At the SBI Auditorium during the 48th edition of the fair, the team from Goppo Mirer Thek, led by popular radio jockey and host Mir Afsar Ali, brought together an eclectic mix of artists and storytellers, including one of Kolkata’s most celebrated RJ, Deepanjan Ghosh.
Together, they curated an exciting live storytelling session, captivating a lively audience eager to immerse themselves in the world of narrative. The event was marked by the launch of several books by the artists involved with the channel, along with special announcements from content head Godhuli Sharma. Among the key revelations was the debut of Goppo Mirer Thek Originals—a series that will showcase original stories, starting with one by the iconic Bengali rock figure, Rupam Islam.
When Mir Afsar Ali was asked about these Originals, he enthusiastically shared, “Today, we revealed Rupam Islam’s story, and it brings us immense joy. But more than that, through a stage like this, at an event like the Book Fair, I want to tell you that Goppo Mirer Thek is waiting for your unpublished stories. We want fresh voices, new flavors in storytelling. It’s not just about old authors—it's about weaving new tales into people’s hearts, making them resonate. That's what sets us apart from others."
Deepanjan Ghosh, who has years of experience in the audio storytelling format, also added his thoughts on curating stories for a younger audience, “To touch the hearts of listeners, the key is simple storytelling. A story with too many subplots can disrupt the flow. And for Gen Z, it’s not about making a separate story for them—it’s about proper promotion. In today's market, social media has given us the power to reach the right audience effectively.”
The event also featured an engaging Q&A session with the audience. Requests flooded in to hear tales of the timeless character Ghanada, the adventures of Eken Babu and Kiriti, and even a special demand for a few lines from Taranath Tantrik in Mir’s voice. He graciously obliged, delighting fans with the classic narrations.

The 48th Kolkata Book Fair proved once again that it’s not just about the physical books; it's a celebration of stories in all forms. Whether old or new, the passion for literature—coupled with the magic of storytelling—has solidified Bengali literary culture in a unique, modern way. The fair's role as the heart of this literary festival was undeniable, making it a significant milestone in Kolkata’s rich tradition of storytelling and book culture.