You know the story. But have you heard her side?
A version of the story through Sita's eyes, with questions that invite you to listen, question and wonder about what you believe.
headphones on
free, 11 min
to sit with
Hold this question. Then press play.
Hear the rest of the story
Five more episodes, about 37 minutes, and 11 more questions to sit with. Listen as often as you like.
What is good, what is evil, and how can you be sure?
Unlock · $10Such a moving and deep reinterpretation of the tale. Such an incredible job across all facets of the production… I am speechless. Mona’s vision - and being - is a gift to all of us.
What is Sita's Story?
It's a devotion to the Sita I found within me. A retelling of the Ramayana through her eyes, in six short episodes recorded in 3D sound, with questions to sit with along the way.
It's a personal piece that I'm choosing to share. It was never designed as a professional or commercial production.
Why did you make it?
During the hardest time of my life, I was questioning what duty, compromise and sacrifice in a relationship meant for me. This is where I was led.
Writing Sita's side helped me feel through my feelings instead of thinking my way around them. I'm sharing it because the questions that opened my mind might open someone else's too.
Who made it?
I'm Mona Patel, a teacher and coach who leads workshops that change the way people think about their challenges. I wrote, produced and voice Sita, because I couldn't find anyone else who could give me the Sita I felt in my heart.
It took eight months, made as a team of one, with actors, a sound designer and musicians I brought in along the way.
What do I need to know about the Ramayana?
The Ramayana is an ancient epic, told for thousands of years in many languages and versions. In the telling most people know, Prince Ram is exiled to the forest with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman, and Ravan, the king of Lanka, takes Sita away. Ram rescues her with the help of Hanuman, and Sita is then asked to walk through fire to prove her purity. Sita's Story is one more retelling, heard through her eyes.
What does unlocking include?
Episodes 2 to 6 (about 37 minutes) and 11 more questions, yours to replay. Proceeds go into creating more work like this and to causes I think Sita would support.
You can choose $20 or $50 at checkout if you'd like to give more.
Beyond the story
Many leaders I coach see themselves in Sita. Consider this a small taste of a reframe.
Work with meShare her side
Send it to someone who'd love it as much as you, and compare notes.
What listeners say
It's the Sita we were never allowed to hear, a woman strong enough to find her own way home, inspiring you to ask yourself what shifts for you if you stopped waiting to be rescued.
Oh. My. God. I am absolutely blown away, my heart is racing. I am speechless.
Many people hear bits and pieces of this mythology around the Diwali holiday, but this version reframes the traditional 'dutiful damsel' script and actually digs into her side of the story. It makes for incredible conversation with your Indian male spouse. 🙂
Stunning. Stunning! Stunning. The way it's recorded, the storytelling, the authenticity of your performance, the sound design, the music, the writing - it's pretty clear this is magnificent.
What a beautiful narrative of a very strong message. I loved it! You have done a marvelous job in walking a fine line between the story as we know it and the story you are telling. Just superb.
This story had me feeling like I was finally understood. I gotta admit, I feel a little transformed!
Sita's Story is exceptional! The script and sound quality are engaging, the controversial point of view is gentle, yet obviously right, and your voice!!! I want more.
I have always felt Sita was stronger inside herself and that is the story that needed to be shared. I appreciate your narrative to change the mindset of women from being helpless to honoring their own intuition.
This is amaaaaazzzing - so super creative!!!!! The voice of characters, the sound effects, the music and everything. I closed my eyes and I was immersed in those scenes with Sita!!
Hear the rest of her story
Episodes 2 to 6, about 37 minutes, and 11 more questions to sit with. Yours to keep and come back to. And thank you for your support of these kinds of projects.
Unlock · $10