
Kesari Veer X Reviews: Fans say Sooraj Pancholi's film is 'history,' not 'mythology'
'Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath,' featuring actors Sooraj Pancholi and Suniel Shetty, received a positive response from fans. The film is being lauded for its depiction of a 'forgotten chapter of history.' The historical action-drama is set against the backdrop of the 14th century AD, and is about the unsung warriors who defended the Somnath temple, the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.advertisementWhile praising the film, an X user wrote, "The movie sheds light on a forgotten chapter of history. The temple destruction and fight for dharma are portrayed powerfully. A wake-up call for many." Another fan captioned, "Every frame bleeds devotion. Every dialogue feels like a call to rise. 'Kesari Veer' In Cinemas reignites the forgotten flame of dharma. History wasn't silent — we just weren't listening. This film brings it roaring back with cinematic force."
advertisement
An X user in his post also wrote, "This film isn't anti-anyone — it's pro-truth. It shows what really happened in our soil. And honours those who stood up to invaders. Truth finds voice in 'Kesari Veer' In Cinemas." A fan in his post wrote, "The visuals stun, but it's the story that stays. A film that shakes your conscience and stirs your soul."
One of the fans acknowledged the historical events associated with the film and wrote, "This isn't mythology — it's history that bleeds with truth. 'Kesari Veer' In Cinemas doesn't sugarcoat, it confronts. Every scene is a reminder that dharma isn't inherited, it's defended. Watch it to remember who we were and who we must be."advertisementIn 'Keasri Veer', Pancholi portrays the Rajput warrior Hamirji Gohil, who valiantly fought against the Tughlaq empire to protect the Somnath Temple from destruction. The film also showcases Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and others important characters. Shetty, in a recent interview with India Today, said he is part of the film because of his 'love for the subject.''Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath' is directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanubhai Chauhan. The film was released in theatres on May 23, 2025.
IN THIS STORY#Suniel Shetty#Vivek Anand Oberoi
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Aamir Khan Reveals Amitabh Bachchan Backed His Decision To Release Sitaare Zameen Par Only In Theatres
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Aamir Khan will return to Bollywood with a theatrical-only release of Sitaare Zameen Par. He declined digital release offers to encourage audiences to watch the film in cinemas. Aamir Khan prefers a six-month gap between theatrical and digital releases for fairness. New Delhi: Aamir Khan is set to make his Bollywood comeback after three years with Sitaare Zameen Par. The actor has announced a while back, that the movie would be a theatrical-only release. Sharing the reason behind this decision, the actor stated that releasing a film on a digital platform just eight weeks after its theatrical debut seemed like an unfair proposition to him. In an interview with India Today, Aamir Khan spoke about how OTT platforms today pressure makers to release their films for streaming within a tight timeframe. While the actor has no issue with any platform, he stated that a six-month gap between theatrical and digital releases would have been more comfortable for him. Aamir Khan said, "I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it. Yes, it's a big risk, and there's a lot [of money] involved. If I don't get that chunk of my pre-sales, and the film doesn't work, it could lead to a major loss. I did receive offers, but I turned them down because I want audiences to go to theatres and watch my film. I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience." The actor shared that some of his close friends tried to change his mind. However, he ultimately found reassurance in Amitabh Bachchan's words, which helped him stick to his decision. Aamir Khan added, 'Everyone was suggesting we go the conventional way, but I was adamant about a theatre-only release. That night, when I met Mr Bachchan, I don't know what came over me, but I opened up to him about my concerns. I told him that friends and well-wishers all felt I wasn't making the right choice.' He added, "I was scared and unsure, but he told me, 'Why aren't you doing it? You've always taken risks. You're a risk-taker.' All of us deeply respect Amit ji, and when he said that, it validated my belief. That's when I decided to go ahead and release the film only in cinemas.' Aamir Khan emphasised that his decision on a theatrical-only release applies only to Sitaare Zameen Par, as of now. The production company will assess the response to this film before deciding on release strategies for future projects. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par also features Genelia D'Souza and Darsheel Safary. The film will release in theatres on June 20.


India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
Meet superstar whose career was revived after Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn rejected this film, earned three times its budget, movie was…, his name is…
In ever-shifting landscape of Bollywood casting, some films take unexpected turns before reaching the silver screen. One such project, which eventually became a notable entry in early 2000s cinema, was originally envisioned with two of the industry's top action stars. In a recent interview, the director revealed that both Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn were approached for the lead role but exited the project at different stages. What followed was a surprising casting choice that helped shape the film's final identity. Let's see who this actor was who has now become a superstar. The Most Talented Superstar of Bollywood The actor we are talking about here is Akshay Kumar , who is currently celebrating the release of his latest movie, Housefull 5 and has starred in more than 150 films throughout his career that has lasted over three decades. Akshay Kumar made his entry into the film industry with a leading role in the 1991 film Saugandh . Throughout the years, he became a key figure in many movies; however, he struggled to attain the stardom or commercial success he desired. This all changed with the 1999 release of Jaanwar , which was directed and produced by Suneel Darshan and featured co-stars Karisma Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty alongside Akshay Kumar. However, many of you must not have known this, but for this, Akshay was not the first choice for the makers. Suneel Darshan's Revelation About Jaanwar's Casting Suneel Darshan told in a recent interview with India Today that Jaanwar was originally planned to star Sunny Deol and later Ajay Devgn , both of whom declined to participate. He said, 'Jaanwar wasn't written for Akshay. With Sunny Deol, the film was initially intended. We were almost ready to travel when we disagreed about some nasty matters. These items are still pending. So I decided to move on and find someone else.' Suneel Darshan further elaborated and said, 'Ajay and I met on a Saturday and came to an agreement on the film. We were set to finalize everything that Monday, but Sunday changed everything,' as the director received an unexpected call, 'It came from someone I had never encountered before that was Akshay Kumar. He was very eager to meet right away. I welcomed him over, and he expressed his desire to star in Jaanwar. He inquired, 'Would you think about making the film with me?'' Suneel Darshan admitted he was initially hesitant about casting Akshay Kumar, as the actor 'was experiencing the lowest point of his career' at that time. Suneel Darshan continued, 'However, I considered, 'Here's a good-looking, disciplined actor who is committed to giving 100% of himself.' He even remarked, 'Sir, I will give you 100% of myself,' and his words stayed with me.' With a production budget of Rs 4 crore , Jaanwar grossed more than Rs 12 crore at the box office, marking not only a financial triumph but also rejuvenating Akshay's career, which had been struggling with several unsuccessful films until then.


India Today
7 hours ago
- India Today
The new creator economy: How digital influencers are turning passion into profit
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated June 9, 2025)I never saw the world beyond my home. I never wished to because I was content with what I had. But, one day, my son said, 'Ma, you cook so well, why don't you share it with the world?' I was shy, afraid of facing the camera, afraid to speak. But, slowly, social media taught me to be seen, to be heard, to be loved.' Fifty-one-year-old Usha Bishayee, better known by her digital moniker@oldays_kitchen, won 430,000 hearts and 4.7 million views with this reel, in which she describes her first trip outside West Bengal, the first flight she took to Mumbai, where she'd eventually meet, and dance, alongside Instagram head Adam is one of India's 4.6 million creators aka influencers for whom video-sharing platforms like YouTube and Instagram have been life-altering. Viewers couldn't get enough of Usha's scrumptious Bengali recipes and soon brand collaborations started streaming in. Today, Usha quotes the price of an iPhone 16—a neat Rs 75,000—to big brands. Son Suprabha handles daily operations, and the duo is looking to hire a manager given the explosion in Usha's rise of creators like Usha is evidence of how Indians are warming up to individuals who want to show their authentic selves, often from the comfort of their homes. It helps that we are second only to Brazilians and Indonesians in time spent online—1.1 trillion hours in 2024 as per consulting firm EY, an average of five hours a day glued to mobile screens, of which 70 per cent is spent on social media, video platforms and gaming. The most populous nation in the world also makes the highest number of Instagram reels and has the most YouTube channels (over 100 million, with over 15,000 having over a million subscribers). Little wonder that digital channels eclipsed TV to emerge as the biggest segment of the media and entertainment (M&E) industry, generating Rs 80,200 crore in revenues in India's creator economy is now seen as a sizeable part of the M&E ecosystem. At the recent World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, creators and digital platforms were as much the centre of attraction as Bollywood celebrities. TechnicalGuruji aka Gaurav Chaudhary moderated a panel, food and travel influencer Kamiya Jani aka Curly Tales was part of one; and there was Creatorsphere, a pavilion devoted to the fast-growing industry. In his opening speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the creator community, saying, 'As the orange economy booms, I will tell every young creator in India, whether you are a musician in Guwahati, a podcaster in Kochi or designing a game in Bengaluru, you are all bringing a wave in Indian economy, a wave of creativity.' He also met the 750+ finalists of the Create in India Challenge and announced the establishment of an Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai, to train a new generation of creators with new skills. ANYBODY CAN BE A CREATOR'You can say that India has become a creator nation without batting an eyelid,' says Ajay Vidyasagar, managing director, YouTube South East Asia and Emerging Markets. 'The sheer energy and speed at which Indian creators are finding their voice and thereon succeeding on a platform like YouTube is extraordinarily inspiring.' In 2022-2024, YouTube paid Rs 21,000 crore to those who create content in India: a sector that includes not just traditional media giants but also a burgeoning band of solo creators and artists. It plans to invest Rs 850 crore in the coming two years to accelerate growth. The magic of India's content creation revolution, feels Vidyasagar, lies in how 'diverse, ambitious and complex' it is and driven by youngsters hungry to learn and grow. 'It's not just one vector, one type of content shining. The plurality of formats and verticals and languages has led to this extraordinary inflection,' he driving this creative explosion? The widespread access to affordable internet and cheaper smartphones certainly, making it easier to consume content on social media. But it is also the lightning speed at which content is being created and going viral, leaving you with no choice but to take note. Take, for instance, the delightful 'Prashant' meme. In this short split-screen English tutorial video—titled 'What is this called?'— young creator Ayush mispronounces an AI-generated enunciation of croissant as Prashant. Ever since it broke the internet in March, the quirky video has amassed over 17 million views, even landing Ayush an ad with Philips Home Living where he relishes, what else, a croissant while promoting an air fascinating is that creators don't even have to follow any logic or lofty standards for their content; anything and everything goes. How else does one explain the virality of Assam's Rajkumar Thakuria, popularly known as Raku Da? A 70-year-old retired banker, his 'cringe pop' renditions with titles like 'You are a doctor, I am a driver', have struck a chord way beyond Northeast India, winning him 80,000+ subscribers on YouTube and 236,000 followers on Instagram. Being seen with creators has now become a means to keep up with pop culture trends and remain relevant. And so it is that Bill Gates is sitting down for an interview with one of India's most popular podcasters, Raj Shamani (10 million YouTube subscribers and growing), as well as having tea made by Dolly Chai Wala (5 million Instagram followers), a Nagpur-based tea-seller known for his flamboyant style and signature way of serving creators are also going places. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Instagram dispatched Barkha Singh and Karan Sonawane (@focussedindian) as part of its creator squad to create a buzz for the Games with behind-the-scenes content and engaging videos. At Cannes, you now see more creators than film stars on the red carpet. This year, lifestyle creator Sakshi Sidhwani made waves with her Cannes-do spirit and Indian curiosity is not restricted to frivolous or 'so-bad-it's-good' videos. Thousands of creators are leveraging digital platforms to share content, build communities, inspire change and earn a sustainable livelihood. Santosh Jadhav, a farmer from Karve village in Maharashtra, for instance. Known online as @indianfarmer, he has uploaded 5,000+ videos since 2018 as part of his mission to make farming a 'respectable business'. 'I realised kheti [farming] isn't seen as a business. Paisa milta nahin. Shaadi hogi nahin. Market haath mein hai nahin (You won't earn money, won't find a girl to marry and the market is not in your hands). Climate is an issue,' he says. 'Let's change that image. Let's make videos that educate and benefit others.' He and co-founder Akash Jadhav are leading the change. It has got them 4.94 million subscribers on YouTube, a production team in Pune and an annual turnover of Rs 1.5 crore in ad revenue and brand deals. Despite his success, Santosh still works in the fields, growing sugarcane, capsicum, cucumbers and more. 'Our vision is to encourage sustainable and profitable residue-free farming,' he says. The Jadhavs have also pivoted to educational content, launching their first online course—on growing tomatoes—for Rs 2, SHOW ME THE MONEYIn 2017, one already saw sure signs of evolution, with all the popularity inevitably being leveraged and marketised. That year, Viraj Sheth and Ranveer Allahbadia (@beerbiceps) set up Monk Entertainment aka Monk-E, a creative digital media organisation aimed at bridging the gap between influencers and brands. Today, it represents some 120 creators across domains that include food, beauty, fashion, travel, lifestyle, podcast and technology. Among them is fashion creator Nancy Tyagi, who turned heads at Cannes last year with a striking pink gown that she designed herself. 'Content creators are like five companies packed into one,' says Sheth. 'For brands, it reduces their cost significantly, gives them better relatability with audiences and facilitates far more ease of communication.' It's why they are choosing creators over the pricey, even fussy, Bollywood and sports celebs for quicker, targeted Covid pandemic deepened the trend, opening up a wealth of opportunities for creators, primary among them a captive audience seeking to escape the dystopia outside. With access to celebrities restricted, brands increasingly turned to creators who not only acted, directed and distributed their content, but also had an active online presence and highly engaged marketing is not just empowering creators but also translating into money. The Goat India Influencer Marketing Report, 2025, valued the industry at Rs 3,600 crore in 2024, projected a growth of 25 per cent in 2025. 'The new marketing model has evolved from just building brand salience to capturing attention and driving engagement. Influencers have been central to this shift by creating authentic, relatable relationships with their followers,' says Pratik Ved, vice president—skin care, Hindustan Unilever Limited. HUL has collaborated with digital creators like Ankush Bahuguna and Komal Pandey for campaigns across brands such as Dove, Simple, Ponds and Vaseline. 'It's no longer just about follower count,' Ved adds. 'We look for influencers whose values align with the brand, who speak authentically, and who have a meaningful connection with their audience.'According to industry insiders, a beauty, fashion and lifestyle creator with a million followers and engagement of 50,000-700,000 views can earn Rs 5-10 lakh for a reel and Rs 2-3 lakh for an Insta story. Meanwhile, a popular entertainment creator with the same reach can earn Rs 80 lakh-1.5 crore a year. Instagram also has 'Born on Instagram', which connects brands to creators, and a Creator Marketplace to further strengthen the partnership. Among its benefeciaries is Pune's Madhura Bachal (@madhurarecipe Marathi), 45, who best demonstrates the entrepreneurial streak of India's creators. One of the earliest to join YouTube back in 2008 with the goal of putting Maharashtrian cuisine on the world map, the former banker began by shooting videos when her baby was asleep. In 2016, she realised she would gain subscribers far more quickly if she went local, and so started another channel in Marathi. Today, apart from running three channels and writing 12 books, Madhura has her own line of spices and kitchen appliances, which she retails online. 'I am making more as a content creator than I did as a banker,' she says, revealing how she makes a six to seven-figure sum monthly from brand collaborations and content monetisation. It is a matter of intense pride and joy when she sees popular food creators like chef Ranveer Brar, YourFoodLab and Kabita's Kitchen post Maharashtrian everyone is in it for the money, though. For 'changemaker' influencers, it's about doing the right thing. Take environmentalist Malhar Kalambe, for instance, who organises beach clean-ups. Or Siddhesh Lokare (@sidiously), who ties up with brands to help those on the fringes and spotlight stories of everyday heroes. In the case of Revant Himatsingka (@FoodPharmer), revenue comes less from brands and more from speaking engagements for corporates and colleges. More than the views, it's the impact his videos have that matter more to Revant, his most recent success being the CBSE mandating a 'sugar board' in all its schools—highlighting the sugar content in soft drinks—in response to his #SugarBoardMovement. The move even merited a mention in an episode of PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat programme. THE MORE THE MERRIERIt's a myth that India's creator economy is primarily a Gen Z phenomenon or that it has a predominantly metro presence. It's an industry that welcomes everyone. Have a shooting device, an internet connection and a modicum of talent, good or bad, and you're on. Rupali Singh (@sad_rupaa) from West Medinipur in Bengal is happiest when she is creating Insta reels and YT shorts dancing to Hindi songs—her 'Tauba Tauba' jig with her two sons notched up 88.2 million plus Bhabda's mimicry skills are so impressive that L'Oreal placed her with its brand ambassador Alia Bhatt on a couch and had her imitating the actress pitch-perfectly, to much laughter. 'Once I have cracked the voice and the character, I just start rolling,' says the 25-year-old, whose love for impersonations dates back to when she'd mimic her teachers at school. From living in rented accommodations for 18 years, Chandni's work on social media today has earned her enough money to buy her own pad in Mumbai suburb Andheri. Says Chandni, 'I want to feel something and then make it. I want to tell stories. Brands love me for that. You give me a timeline, I will make it happen with no compromise on quality.'The democratic nature of the platforms has given wings to not just Gen Z-ers like Chandni but even Gen Alpha. Aaditya Shukla was 10 when he began making videos on Insta because he had 'nothing to do other than studies' during the lockdown. His first earning was Rs 2,000, when his follower count was 10,000. Five years later, he has balanced studies and reel-making to have brands like Domino's wooing him to reach his teenage Insta audience of 1.6 million. Having lost his father in 2018, Shukla is happy to join his two elder siblings in helping his homemaker mother. 'I have already built something, I won't have to suffer much later,' says it's not just shorts that sell, long format, too, has an audience of its own, emboldening creators like Raj Shamani to go from 45-minute interviews to 2-3 hour-long ones on his YouTube podcast show, Figuring Out. 'I don't believe attention spans are getting shorter. I think the ability to judge content is getting faster,' he says. The go-to podcaster currently has 50 people working for him in several capacities, allowing him to put out three episodes a week and 25 shorts a day across seven channels and several yet, most agree it's just the start for a young economy (just about 15 years old) that's hard to ignore. 'In India, we don't have enough creators with critical mass yet. We are in the stage of building it,' says Vinay Pillai, chief business officer at Pocket Aces, which runs Clout, a talent management wing that currently boasts 225 influencers. 'Once it manifests itself, where we get creators like Kylie Jenner or Mr Beast, you will see the next step for the creator economy. Monetising the distribution they have built into commerce will radicalise the industry.' Pillai believes the next set of creators will be different and interesting, for their inspiration will not be film stars but their own kind. 'The best creators even today and 10-15 years from now will be those who take their authentic selves and turn the volume up, not those following trends,' he Intelligence will change the game even further, aiding the quick delivery of content. Tamil YouTuber Madan Gowri relies on tools like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and DeepSeek for everything from research and scripting to editing and culling data on the issues that would drive audience engagement. 'It has helped me increase viewership,' he says. 'All we have to do is find the right prompt and curate our content accordingly.'THE ROAD AHEADA growing economy likely calls for greater supervision. Given the influence creators now wield on consumer spend, there's talk of the harm they can wreak on vulnerable audiences, especially children and young adults. The Advertising Standards Council of India's (ASCI) recent Influencer Compliance Scorecard showed that 69 per cent of India's top 100 digital stars failed to meet basic disclosure guidelines in brand collaborations. 'This signals a widespread lack of awareness or willingness to comply, risking audience trust and regulatory action,' says Manisha Kapoor, CEO & secretary general, ASCI. 'Influencer endorsements in sensitive sectors like health, finance, gaming and virtual digital assets pose serious risks to public safety.' The body expects influencers to disclose qualifications when promoting technical claims and more vigilance 'not just from influencers but also from brands and agencies to prevent irresponsible promotions'.A crowded space of influencers has also meant more competition and creators having to keep their sleeves rolled up all the time. 'It looks really easy to do, but difficult to sustain,' says Sheth of Monk Entertainment. 'Just try building distribution through short-form content for six months. I'll change my name if you don't feel disappointed at some point because you are not getting enough likes or views or don't have scripts to go along. It is a competitive space, because everyone with a phone is a possible creator.' Even someone as popular as RJ Karishma, who has a community of millions on both YouTube and Insta, admits feeling the pressure of uncertainty. One month, it's brand deals a dozen, the next not so much. 'When I started, there weren't that many creators and I had the power to say this is the amount I charge, I cannot go below this,' she says. 'Now, we are also compromising. There are more creators, so if not you, they will find somebody else.'Ultimately, it's the community they have built that fuels the creativity and keeps them going. Karishma cannot thank them enough. It was her enactments of saas-bahu characters on social media that earned her a viewership and enabled her to pay the bills for her mother's cancer treatment. 'I am grateful to my audience. Because of them, my mother is alive.'RJ Karishma | Crafting her own universe (Location courtesy: Contrast Studios Mumbai) As a child, Karishma loved dressing up in her mother's saris and copying characters from TV shows in front of a mirror. Two decades later, in front of her phone camera, she plays characters she dreamt up, including the popular Mummyji and Vicky. One of India's top comedy content creators, Karishma was a popular radio jockey in Indore before moving to Mumbai in 2023, juggling her job and her real interests—writing, shooting and editing original video content. About her 'risky vocation', Karishma says, 'You cannot be lax... It cannot be 'Main toh OG [original] hoon. Nope, you are replaceable.' Karishma is broadening her horizons by writing, acting and producing a digital micro drama. Bright Bhavi shya Loading is a 'Karishmaverse' of multiple characters.—Suhani SinghOldays Kitchen | Ilish, quite delish (Photo: Debajyoti Chakraborty) The Bishayee family ran a sweetmeat shop, which took a hit during the pandemic. Financial struggles mounted, with a home loan weighing heaviest. In 2021, the mother-son duo Usha and Suprabha tried launching a YouTube channel. It failed. 'But we couldn't give up,' says Suprabha, who has studied hotel management. Next time, they staked it all— selling their house to clear the loan and using the rest to buy an iPhone 14. 'It was a leap of faith,' says Usha. Oldays Kitchen began as a humble venture—a mother in her oldworld kitchen, cooking traditional Bengali dishes. By the third video, Suprabha had an idea: food-based rhymes. That formula—a short, funny rhyme (chhora) at the outset, related to the recipe of the day, cooked in a rustic oven—struck a first viral hit came with a demo for simuyier payesh (vermicelli pudding). One day, Suprabha asked her to taste the food on camera and react. 'Daarun!' (wonderful), she smiled—a word that is their signature now. The dream now? To open a caf—perhaps in Kolkata, but more likely in Digha, Usha's windy hometown by the sea.—Arkamoy Datta MajumdarFood Pharmer | Food Inspector General (Photo: Debajyoti Chakraborty) Revant Himantsingka is an anomaly among creators. Best known as the nutrition influencer who pulled up Bournvita for its high sugar content in his very first video, prompting a legal notice; compelled Lay's to switch from palm to sunflower oil in India; and started the campaign 'Label Padhega India', Revant is better known as a 'de-influencer'— someone who criticises brands for falling short on delivering the healthy food they ardently promise. 'The first year, I didn't make any money,' says Revant, who put in his savings from a job in the US into his creative foray. 'I have one policy—don't do any food brand deals. I have been offered insane amounts....' These days, financial services firm Zerodha is sponsoring the production cost of his latest podcast, The Simple Health Series. Happily, a plywood brand has also approached him because he stands for 'trust and credibility'.—Suhani SinghAadi | The romance of youth (Photo: Mandar Deodhar; Location courtesy: Contrast Studios Mumbai) Amazingly, Aadi tya Shukla doesn't have a But naturally, the teen who has over a million people hooked to his reels knows how to make optimum use of those belonging to h is mother and e lder brother Akash. Aadi, as he is known in creatorsphere, has used the device to document his life—preparing for the CBSE boards, hanging out with his friends—that offers a peek into the minds of Generation Alpha. No concerns about his screen time have been raised, for he ain't a bad student. He recently scored 88 per cent in Class 10.'If I had been doing badly in academics, teachers would have objected,' says Aadi. 'I'm proof that even while creating content you can study and do other activities.' It helps that his content is squeaky clean and his demeanour one of disarming teenage amiability. Shukla's creativity on Instagram has resulted in him scoring collab deals (SaReGa-Ma and Domino's, to name just two) and a DM (direct message) from casting director Shanoo Sharma's office, which resulted in a part in the Netflix series The Railway Men. 'I had no idea one can make money from it,' says Shukla, whose first sponsor deal earned him Rs 2,000. That's when he had 10,000 followers. Simple school math suggests a far, far meatier pie now.—Suhani SinghKL Bro Bijurithvik | Working-class hero (Photo: Badusha P.T.) Biju has seen life from the hard angles—as a labourer at a quarry, as a helper in a lorry and, later, as a mini truck and jeep driver. Rendered jobless during the pandemic and stranded at home, he decided, on a whim, to shoot videos on a Samsung phone bought with money a friend gave first YouTube video, uploaded in 2021, was about a young man's hunt for a bride in neighbouring state Karnataka. That video became a viral hit. He has not looked back since. His videos, in which only Malayalam is spoken, are centred around simple, workaday domestic acti vities or, say, a short trip, that features his family—wife Kavitha (28), mother Working-Class Hero Karthyayani (68), children Rithvik (8) and Rishvik (3 months), and his niece Anu Lakshmi (14). For Biju, an idle pursuit has led to fame and a livelihood; indeed, his days now revolve around chronicling his family does not reveal numbers, but says he earns 'enough' to support his family as a content creator. Says Biju, 'I do not know who invented YouTube and other platforms, but they are a blessing for people like me.'—M.G. ArunMG Squad | As he likes it Madan Gowri's success proves that far beyond the crowded fields, there are millions of takers for content ranging from physics to politics. And that most prefer it in the vernacular. What started out as an English YouTube channel in 2017 has morphed into a wildly popular Tamil one. Well-researched and pared down without sacrificing complexity, Gowri's entries both slake and spur the thirst for knowledge. However, 'you can't just talk about random things,' he says. 'I focus on what people want to know, like issues in mainstream media.''Earlier, when you said you are a YouTuber, people thought it was a serious profession,' he says. 'But are like 'even my kid is a YouTuber'. The competition is way higher.' Proudly prolific, he has put up one video a day for the past 6-7 years. Courtesy his revenues from YouTube, Gowri has 40-50 people on his payroll and runs a digital marketing veteran creator Bhuvan Bam aka BB Ki Vines, Gowri is foraying into films, but says he will never forsake the badge of a content creator. 'I'm getting this opportunity as I am who I am in content. The day I stop doing this, I won't have value.'Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch