YouTube happened on a whim, says Anisha Dixit
Facing rejections while auditioning for Bollywood films every day, Anisha Dixit decided to take on YouTube on a whim. “Honestly, it was quite random. After facing more than 500 rejections, my then boyfriend (now husband) Caleb suggested that I explore YouTube. So then, I started to figure out how to even make videos because in 2013, there were hardly any independent creators in India. While I was trying to understand how YouTube works, I was simultaneously giving auditions,” recalls Anisha.
What gets people laughing out loud are her videos which are short skits of everyday situations that people face in life. Never did the YouTuber imagine that she would go on to have millions of subscribers in the years to come.
“Initially, I was all on my own. I used to write, shoot and edit. Now, it’s me along with my team sitting together and working on the script. We all kind of jam on ideas and pick the ones that are liked by everyone,” adds Anisha, who calls meeting former US President Barack Obama the biggest highlight of her life.
“I remember we were all lining up to meet him one by one and everyone was only shaking hands and smiled for the camera and left. When my turn came, I ran and hugged him. His security was quite taken aback thinking I might be someone crazy, but the coolest thing was that Obama hugged me back. I told him that I love him and Michelle Obama and that they both inspire me a lot, and thankfully he also said he loves me back; so the situation didn’t become too awkward,” laughs Anisha.
Like other popular YouTubers who often bring stars in their videos looking to promote their film, Anisha has worked with a plethora of stars like Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan and Boman Irani.
“One has to approach with a different style when you are shooting with such amazing artistes. The collaboration with Priyanka Chopra was definitely a dream come true and my younger self would have never imagined that because she has always been my inspiration. Dreams do come true; you just have to really believe in it,” she shares.
With fellow YouTubers like Kanan Gill, Prajakta Koli taking on film projects and web series, does she fancy taking a chance again with films? Her answer is affirmative. “There is a plan. I wish I could tell you more, but I am not in the position yet because it’s still in the development. But, I’m never going to leave YouTube because I am where I am today thanks to it,” she quips.
Being an influencer with millions of followers who seek to emulate her, she takes the responsibility seriously. “Creators need to be aware about what kind of influence their content or their words is going to create in the minds of youth of the country who consume the videos. The influence is huge, and often a lot of creators don’t realise this,” signs off Anisha.
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