How a Hyderabad-based software engineer turned a hobby into a 60 million-listen success story

For Vennu Reddy, writing was never part of the plan. At 35, the Hyderabad-based software engineer was focused on building a stable career and family life, while stories remained a source of entertainment through comics, animation, and audio storytelling. A regular listener on Pocket FM, Vennu gradually found himself looking at stories through a different lens, imagining how scenes, characters, and emotions could unfold differently. What began as curiosity soon led him to try writing his own stories.

After spending countless late nights writing alongside his full-time job, Vennu discovered that writers could publish their work on Pocket FM and decided to take a chance. The initial months were slow, but his stories gradually began finding listeners. What started as a hobby soon evolved into something much bigger, giving him not only a growing audience but also the confidence to pursue storytelling more seriously.

Today, Vennu is the writer of hit audio series such as Twists of Love & Revenge, which have crossed over 60 million listens. At the same time, another of his story like Reckless Love Proposal, has garnered over 6 million listens. His success has transformed writing from a pastime into a meaningful second career and changed the way those around him view the profession. What was once considered “just a hobby” is now recognised as proof that passion, persistence, and creativity can create opportunities far beyond one’s primary profession.

Reflecting on his journey, Vennu shares, “If someone had told me a few years ago that writing would become such an important part of my life, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I was simply someone who enjoyed stories. I never planned to become a writer. I started writing after work, late at night, just because I enjoyed the process. I didn’t even know where it would lead.”

He adds, “The moment I received my first payment is something I will never forget. Until then, writing was something that existed emotionally in my life. That payment made it real. The first thing I did was give my daughter the money, and she immediately put it in her money bank. That memory will always stay with me. More than the earnings, writing has given me confidence. It has shown me that it’s never too late to start something new, and that a passion can grow into something much bigger than you ever imagined.”

His stories have travelled across geographies and cultures, reaching listeners around the world. Vennu’s journey reflects a growing shift in India’s creator economy, where people are increasingly discovering new opportunities beyond their primary professions. From a software engineer with a passion for audio storytelling to a writer whose stories have reached millions of listeners, his story is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful careers begin as simple hobbies pursued after hours.

Today, even as he continues his professional career, audio storytelling remains an integral part of his life, proof that passion, persistence, and curiosity can open doors to opportunities we never expect.