Friends Forging Fear: Aishwarya Singh on Aryaan Misra Collab Crafting Audible's Gripping Desi Crime Sensation

Popular podcasters Aishwarya Singh and Aryaan Misra, the dynamic duo behind India's top true crime podcast Desi Crime, have leveled up their storytelling game with a fresh Audible audiobook adaptation. Produced by Desi Studios and published by Pan Macmillan, the chapterized compilation pulls from the Indian subcontinent and its diasporas, unpacking twisted real-life horrors like cannibalism and cult conspiracies. In a recent interview, Singh opens up about the seamless collaboration with her friend Misra, highlighting how their interlaced narrative style—mirroring formats like The Book of Joy—brings unprecedented impact to audio. What started as podcast episodes with over 15 million downloads now evolves into a novel audiobook experience, where voice modulation and scene-setting let listeners' minds paint the gruesome visuals.

 

The transition from visual podcasts to pure audio proved surprisingly smooth, thanks to Audible's expert team. Singh praises the platform's user-friendly interface, recalling her own travels where audiobooks like Stephen Fry's Mythos enhanced her adventures. For Desi Crime, they adapted the writing to a more formal conversational tone while preserving raw mystery and intrigue. Stories linger long after narration, with music during research evoking victims' tragedies—Singh favors Sneha Phillips' 9/11-eve disappearance, while Misra connects deeply with the Kohistan video murders.

 

This project taps into India's audio storytelling roots, from late-night FM horror shows like Ek Kahani Aisi Bhi to communal lore sessions. Amid rising podcast adoption, true crime audiobooks fit busy lifestyles, offering entertainment without physical books. Singh hints at another book in the works, eyeing Audible for its next audio incarnation.

 

Key Highlights from the Collaboration

Sources: Free Press Journal, Audible.in, Pan Macmillan