About the Story: The Monkey King
This is an enduring story, a timeless Jataka tale, inspired by the life of the Bodhisattva, retold by Shobha Viswanath in her book "The Monkey King" published by Karadi Tales. Janaki fell in love with the story when she read it and was very happy to perform it at the FEAST Fest 2021.
Here is the story synopsis - A juicy mango from the monkey kingdom reaches the king of Benares, sparking a quest for the source of this delightful fruit. Will Kapi, the wise monkey king, be able to safeguard his people?
About Janaki Sabesh
There are stories hidden everywhere, and Janaki Sabesh loves discovering them!
Janaki’s engagement with children began when she produced an audio cassette “The
Learning Train” (1995) simplifying the world of numbers through stories and songs. Her
distinctive and authentic style of blending narration, music and movement is loved by
children, youngsters, corporate professionals, teachers and everyone alike.
Janaki has authored ‘The Jungle Storytelling Festival’ (2018), a picture book for children
published by Tulika Books and co- authored her 2nd picture book titled, 'Paati's
Rasam'(2021) with her daughter Dhwani Sabesh, published by Karadi Tales. ‘Paati’s Rasam’
won the 2023 National Jarul Book Award that recognises Indian picture books. Her third
book is a multi-format one, titled “Appu the thirsty crow” published by Crea-Play. She has
also written short stories on request, for the Parent Circle magazine and for the 800th edition
of Tinkle magazine.
Wearing a variety of hats (and totally in love with it!) of an accomplished actor (of over 30
films in Tamil and a couple in Telugu & Malayalam), voice-over & theatre artist, experienced
marketer, facilitator, professional speaker, she is also the Chief Fun Officer at her own
storytelling initiative 'Golpo Tales'- Golpo meaning story in Bengali.
She is a visiting faculty at Great Lakes Institute of Management where she teaches various
aspects of storytelling as part of Corporate Learning and Development.
Janaki has curated multiple stories and monologues that she performs for adult audiences.
She also brings people together through intimate storytelling experiences around personal
tales, food, music and nostalgia.
She believes : “A story told from the heart will always win more hearts”.