Teen Taal: The Hindi Podcast with a Cult Following

   In the growing world of digital media and podcasts, Teen Taal has carved out a unique space for itself. Produced by India Today Group through Ajj tak Radio, the show has become a favourite among listeners who enjoy thoughtful conversations mixed with humour and storytelling.

   Released every Saturday morning, the podcast blends satire, commentary, and personal anecdotes. What makes Teen Taal stand out is its informal style where serious topics—from politics and geopolitics to food and everyday life—are discussed with wit and humour. At the centre of the show are three hosts whose chemistry has helped the podcast gain a loyal audience.

The Three Musketeers of Teen Taal

    The podcast revolves around three journalists—Kamlesh Kishore Singh, Kuldeep Mishra, and Asif Khan—who together create a lively mix of humour, insight, and storytelling.

Kamlesh Kishore Singh aka Tau

    Kamlesh Kishore Singh, originally from Bihar, is a senior journalist associated with the India Today Group. He is widely respected for his sharp editorial commentary on politics, governance, and public policy.

However, listeners of Teen Taal encounter a completely different side of him. Known affectionately as Tau, he brings a unique comic perspective to the show. His punchlines and witty observations often become highlights of the episode.

One of his popular catchphrases is “Main toh bandar ke taraf se”, which he humorously uses to represent the viewpoint of a neutral third party in a debate. His imaginary friend Narangi has become an iconic part of the podcast’s humour, with stories that surprise and entertain listeners.

  

Kuldeep Mishra aka Sardar

   Kuldeep Mishra is a journalist associated with The Lallantop, which is also part of the India Today Group. With over a decade of experience in print, television, radio, and digital journalism, he has worked with media organizations including BBC News Hindi, Dainik Jagran, and Dainik Bhaskar.

   In Teen Taal, Sardar acts as the anchor and moderator of the discussion. Each episode begins with a poem narrated by him, setting the tone for the conversation that follows.

   His command over Hindi language, storytelling ability, and voice modulation add a distinctive flavour to the podcast. His enthusiastic call “Aiyyeeee…” has become one of the show’s most recognizable catchphrases.

Asif Khan aka Khancha

   Asif Khan is a senior journalist and conceptualiser who has been associated with some of the biggest media organizations in India since 1999. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards for Environmental Reporting (2014).

   Currently associated with the India Today Group, Khan has extensive experience in producing documentaries and storytelling on wildlife, social issues, and environmental themes.

   In the podcast, his deep interest in nature, wildlife, mountains, and rivers often shapes his stories and perspectives. His calm storytelling style and warm personality make him a favourite among listeners. His hometown Duddhi has also become famous among the podcast’s fan community.

A Community of Loyal Fans

  Over the years, Teen Taal has built a dedicated community of listeners across India and beyond. The podcast reportedly has hundreds of thousands of regular listeners, many of whom tune in every Saturday after a new episode is released.

   Fans have created numerous WhatsApp groups and online communities, connecting listeners from different cities. In several towns, listeners even organize meet-ups and informal gatherings, turning the podcast into more than just a show—it has become a community.

The Structure of the Podcast

Each episode of Teen Taal usually follows a familiar yet engaging structure.

• Opening Poem: The episode begins with a poem narrated by Sardar, written by the show’s producer Atul, which sets the theme for the discussion.
• Weekly News Discussion: The hosts talk about major developments from the past week—ranging from politics and geopolitics to social trends.
• Main Topic Discussion: A central topic selected by the producer or suggested by listeners is explored in detail with humour and insight.
• Bezar Khabar: One or two unusual or bizarre news stories from the week are discussed in a light-hearted way.
• Letters from Listeners : Perhaps the most emotional segment of the show is when hosts read letters from fans. Listeners share personal experiences, funny incidents, and sometimes difficult moments in their lives. These stories often create a sense of connection among the audience.

More Than Just a Podcast

  What makes Teen Taal special is not just its humour or discussions, but the human connection it creates with listeners. Through laughter, poetry, and heartfelt conversations, the podcast has built a space where journalism meets storytelling and community.

(Views are Personal)