The last time that the audience saw 'Ghilli amma' a.k.a Janaki Sabesh, known for her motherly roles, was a year back in Singam 3. Over the last four years, movies have taken a backseat for as her focus has shifted to her storytelling outfit for children—Golpo Tales Unlimited.
A few days ago, this talented storyteller has adorned another feather to her cap. Janaki has authored a children’s storybook—The Jungle Storytelling Festival—an original creative narration, published by Tulika Publishers. Janaki, who is currently doing an advertisement series for a jewellery brand, has no regrets for not being in the limelight of tinsel town and confesses that the last four years have been most gratifying.
Earlier, her fans were all movie buffs but with her new identity, she has developed a new fan base comprising children who all recognise her as “story aunty” in public places.
“I have been getting movie offers but nothing very exciting came up. It is amazing how I have rediscovered myself with storytelling,” says Janaki who has been associated with children ever since she was a young adult. She has always enjoyed doing sing-along sessions with them in various child development centres in the city.
How did she decide to write a book? “ During one of the storytelling sessions, a young boy asked me to tell an ostrich story and I couldn't find any online. I decided to write a story on an ostrich myself. I had this story idea for two years and wanted to narrate it to the children. However, I needed to structure it in a certain format and so I attended a story writing workshop. This lead to writing a book.”
More than the final outcome of seeing one’s name on the cover, it is the whole journey of writing the book that is more gratifying and delightful for this first time author.
“It is a good feeling and I have dedicated this book to my late parents who have always encouraged me since childhood to follow and execute my dreams. I am thankful to my ever supportive family too who are my best critics," she says.
It was challenging for Janaki whose story went back and forth through the whole process of publishing. “It is quite common to think that being a storyteller will help with being a writer, but it's a different ball game. Although we know to some extent what children like, sometimes they surprise us with their questions. There were times that I felt the ideas were exciting, but the feedback comes otherwise. Publishers look for something that is novel and unique.”
The book revolves around a storytelling festival for animals in a jungle and reflects a bit of the author’s talent in penning song lyrics and singing, which forms an integral part of her storytelling sessions. The story contains two songs sung by the protagonist Ostroo, the ostrich and his mice friends.
“Children love to listen to and sing peppy songs. I sing them while narrating,” says Janaki.
Apart from her creative stints, Janaki is primarily a media corporate professional for the last two decades. How has her corporate life influenced her being a storyteller? Says Janaki, “When dealing with corporates, convincing power is very important and this has helped me connect with children as well. One needs a lot of patience for children's storytelling sessions and this has helped me in my corporate life.”
Reflecting on her journey as a storyteller, Janaki signs off, “The last four years, not only have I got a new identity, which has been very close to me but also it has given me an opportunity to understand myself much better.”