Best Indian Podcasts 2021 | Top 5 True Crime Indian Podcasts
In 2021, India is expecting a huge podcast boom that will propel the scene in the country to the limelight. Out of all the Indian podcasts, and podcasts in general, it is well established that true crime is the engine that has pushed the medium into the stratosphere.
While there are under-produced Indian true-crime podcasts out there, there are a few gems that are trying to change the Indian podcasting scene. Today, we will take a look at 5 of the major Indian podcasts in 2021 which are defining the true crime genre.
1. Sunsaan Podcast
Possibly the newest entry on the list, Sunsaan podcast has made quite a mark in the world of Indian true crime. Hosted by an anonymous host, Sunsaan takes the classic Indian fascination with crime and horror, and presents it in the most desi way possible: in Hindi. Sunsaan’s USP is that it not only dives deep into the crimes with solid research, but the host dismantles and analyzes the psychology of the criminals. I personally love the host’s deep voice that complements his Hindi pronunciation. We’re used to Neelesh Misra when it comes to Hindi, but this host’s voice is a soothing, refreshing change. Apart from the true crime stories, there is also bonus content of ‘Side B’ in which the host narrates stories from literature all around the world.
Sunsaan podcast is (for now) my pick for the best Indian podcasts in 2021 — for True Crime. If these guys (or guy) continue to deliver the same quality of episodes that they have so far, they will be one of the forerunners of Indian podcasts in 2021.
2. Khooni: The Crimes of India
Khooni was already popular in 2020 due to being one of the first movers in the space, but in 2021 podcasting scene, they’re rising rapidly. Hosted by Aditi and Sneha, Khooni takes the listeners through true crime cases in the country. Khooni’s USP is that they are very thorough with their research, and keep their content light enough for the new listeners of True Crime to jump into their world. One of my favorite episodes was ‘The Joshi Abhyankar Murders’ which clearly characterizes the podcast’s deep research quality and amazing content that keeps the audiences hooked. Aditi and Sneha’s voices are on par. They hit the right notes with every word they utter.
Khooni are a veteran in the space, and the same will continue in 2021 if they keep up with the quality they already have.
3. The Desi Crime Podcast
I am personally biased to add this podcast to this list because they were my first ‘favorite’ true crime podcasts. One strong point that you will notice is that they have a great name (Desi Crime) which makes it very easy for podcast listeners to find. I am really glad that they picked this name because this is the very reason why I found them (take notes, Sunsaan and Khooni).
The name apart, the combination of both hosts — Aishwarya and Aryaan, brings an amazing balance to the podcast. They’re slightly younger than the average true crime listeners, but their research and podcasts are absolutely polished and mature. They bring a fresh, young perspective to every case they talk about.
Their coverage on ‘Sri Lanka’s Royal Park murder’ has left a real life impact. As they were quoted in TOI, “Yvonne Johnson was killed by her sister’s boyfriend in 2006. He was given the death penalty but was pardoned in 2019. While he denied killing her in his years in jail, the day after he was released, he wrote a letter apologising for killing her.” After they released their episode the victim’s mother reached out to them. “It meant the world to me. We always keep in mind that there may be a victim’s family member listening and you shouldn’t belittle their trauma.”
You can check them out here.
4. Trial By Error: The Aarushi Files
I know, I know. The Aarushi Files is not an ongoing podcast, and neither was it released recently. The podcast started and ended in 2016. But in my opinion, it set a benchmark for other true crime podcasts to follow. Hence, I will still include it in the best podcast of 2021, because simply put — there has been no other Indian true-crime podcast focused on one case, that is as well produced as this is.
Let me explain this by comparison. Our top two podcasts have covered this case, and they have done it nicely. But, no other podcasts, or even a movie or a show, can come even close to the way they have presented this case.
This podcast was based on the book of Avirook Sen, who is the absolute best authority on the subject. Narrated by Nishita Jha, it is quite possibly the most thought-provoking podcast you will ever listen to.
You can check it out here.
5. Red FM’s Indian Murder Mystery
It is very refreshing to see a media giant take on a growing medium like podcasts. Red FM’s Indian Murder Mystery is one of the most well-produced podcasts in 2021. They take on famous Indian cases, and analyze them beautifully. The podcast is narrated by multiple hosts, but personally — I like Saurabh’s narration the best.
You can check it out here.
What do you think about these podcasts? Do you think there should have been another entry here? Tell us in the comments!
