In the heart of Kolkata, a unique venture, “কণ্ঠ (Kontho) – The Power of Voice,” has been making waves since its launch on January 26, 2023. Founded by the multi-talented Sayantika Kundu, this endeavor offers a transformative experience in the world of voice artistry. Sayantika, a seasoned Voice Over Artist, Storyteller, and more, brings not only her professional prowess but also her inspiring personal journey to the forefront.
Amidst multiple challenges, including battling Spinal Tuberculosis and navigating the uncertainties of a pandemic, Sayantika found solace and strength in her voice-related work. This remarkable journey led to the birth of Kontho, a platform where aspiring voice-over artists can learn and grow, and make a mark in the world.
Today, on The Inspiring Chapters, we have with us Sayantika Kundu, the Kolkata-based entrepreneur and the driving force behind কণ্ঠ (Kontho). In this conversation, she shares with us her inspiring journey.
Hi Sayantika, we are pleased to have you with us today on The Inspiring Chapters. To begin with, please tell us a few lines about yourself.
I am a professional Voice Over Artist, a Storyteller, a Reciter, an Anchor, a News Reader, and also an RJ. Academically, I have an MBA in Training & HR, with more than 12 years of corporate experience. Professionally, I own an event management company named OM EVENTs which has been running successfully for over 6 years!
This year onwards, I have started a new brand named কণ্ঠ (Kontho) – The Power of Voice. In my cute little family, I have my 8-year-old son, my husband, my younger brother, and my father! I belong to a joint family where my uncles, aunts, and elder sisters are my biggest support! I lost my mother at the age of 13 years!
Please tell us about কণ্ঠ (Kontho). What motivated you to work on this project?
During the lockdown phase, I got COVID-19 infected thrice! After the 2nd infection, it had an extremely bad impact on my health which caused Spinal Tuberculosis. I was bedridden for almost a year. All my event-related works and activities stopped at that time. There was no certainty that I would be able to get up and lead a normal life again. There were times when I felt that I was of no use anymore and there was no reason for me to live. 2 things kept me going at that time – my son and my voice-related works. I arranged the recording set up in such a way that I could record anything lying on the bed. There was not a single day when I did not record news/voice-over-related works during those months. All these gave me the courage to fight back. That was an affirmation to me, that I can still add value to the world. That time
only I decided in mind, that if any day I can get up again, I will make the aspiring voice-over artists so strong, that they can also conquer the world with their voices.
Finally, when I got up from bed and started walking once again, it felt like a new beginning for me. It was a moment of rebirth for me, and it coincided with this year’s Saraswati Puja when I proudly launched the logo of কণ্ঠ (Konthho) – The Power of Voice!
Businesses whether large or small, often have to face some unique challenges. Could you tell us about a significant obstacle that came your way and how you overcame it?
After fighting out the health devil named Spinal Tuberculosis, the main challenge I faced was to arrange the initial funds to set up the studio. For that, I participated in a business reality show on women-led startups, but there also I couldn’t get any monetary support. But as we all know, if there is a will, there is a way. Then, in collaboration with my friend’s art studio, I finally made my dream successful. I never wanted to take a loan as I didn’t want to increase the overhead cost, which in turn would have created an impact on the course fee, which might not be affordable to many.
What are the core values and principles that drive কণ্ঠ (Kontho)?
কণ্ঠ (Kontho) provides the best possible professional guidance to aspiring Voice Over Artists, through true professionals, at an affordable rate. Nothing is hidden here. Aspirants get onboarded based on their talent and they get end-to-end support from us. কণ্ঠ (Kontho) ensures that the voice-over artists conquer the world with their voices!
Building a strong brand is vital in this competitive era. What gives you a competitive edge over your competitors?
Practical orientation, absolute practical handholding through true professionals, affordable course fees, and assistance in internship/self-employment – all these give us a competitive edge.
Sayantika, how has been the journey so far for কণ্ঠ (Kontho)?
It has been a super exciting journey till date.
What strategies do you follow to build a successful customer base?
Rigorous promotion, exclusive branding, personal connection with the potential students, and most importantly – providing the best and honest service, which is the best possible promotion.
Please share the investment details.
It’s a bootstrap start up, no outside finances are involved so far.
Sayantika, you recently took part in a business reality show. How was the experience there?
Although I did not win the grant money, however, it was a great learning experience for me.
What are your aspirations for the future of কণ্ঠ (Kontho)?
In the next 1 year, I am looking forward to establishing কণ্ঠ (Kontho) as a known market player in Kolkata. And, in the next 5 years, I aspire to have multiple branches of কণ্ঠ (Kontho) across India.
You also run another business. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure success for both businesses?
OM Events is my second baby after my son and কণ্ঠ (Kontho) is the 3rd one! At no point, a Mother struggles to manage time for her kids. The same goes for me as well. After my son, my brands are my
supreme priority. OM Events is already 6 years old. So it’s a grown-up kid now. I have my full
team who are experts by now in event management. So it can run in autopilot mode. Hence,
I can easily invest my time in the youngest one – কণ্ঠ (Kontho)!
Anything else you want to share?
That’s all I guess. I just want to convey my regards to all the viewers/readers and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking of my brands to be highlighted! One last thing to all, life is nothing but a high-level game. You cross multiple layers of challenges and levels and then only you go up. NEVER GIVE UP! Play happily, be honest with yourself, help others, and think about innovative ways to succeed in life. Only then you can be a winner!
Sayantika, one last question of this session, if you have had one wish, what would it be?
To remain happy with my family and friends in a happy and green world!
