From the alleys of Mumbai to primetime television and brand campaigns, Faisal Shaikh — better known as Mr. Faisu — is no longer just a “content creator.” He’s a cultural force. With over 30 million followers, a fashion-forward presence, and stints on reality shows like JhalakDikhhla Jaa, Khatron Ke Khiladi and MasterChef India, Faisu is part of a rare breed of Indian male influencers who’ve successfully crossed the bridge from social media stardom to mainstream relevance.
But behind the reels and glam, there’s a deeper story — of relentless hustle, misunderstood labels, and the quiet evolution of a man trying to build something that lasts beyond algorithms. In this exclusive interview with Best For Him, Faisu opens up about staying relevant, overcoming hate, and what he truly wants his name to stand for.
1. From shooting videos on the street to owning the spotlight—what was the moment you knew this wasn’t just “content,” but a career?
The turning point came during my first paid collaboration. I was paid ₹5,000 and on my way to shoot at a local store. It wasn’t a big campaign, but it made me realize — this wasn’t just about making videos anymore. It was about building something real. Digital platforms weren’t just entertainment tools—they were opportunities. That’s when we started taking content more seriously, especially understanding what families and everyday audiences connected with. We leaned into that — and everything changed.
2. You started on TikTok, but have evolved into a full-blown brand. How do you stay relevant when trends move faster than you can post?
Staying relevant in today’s content ecosystem is about more than just timing. I learned early that if you don’t evolve with trends, you get left behind. I try to follow trends but also collaborate with people who are shaping them. That way, you’re not just riding the wave—you’re learning how to create it. Relevance today is a mix of adaptability, collaboration, and knowing when to step up your game.
3. Many young men look up to your style and confidence. How did you build yours?
Fashion was always important to me. Even during my college days and when I worked as a salesman, I paid close attention to how I dressed. Style gave me confidence. But more than that, grooming taught me self-respect. You have to love yourself first—if you don’t take yourself seriously, why should anyone else? I see fashion as a form of communication. It’s the first impression before you speak.
4. What’s the biggest misunderstanding about being a male influencer in India?
That it’s easy—or frivolous. A lot depends on what kind of content you create. I’ve always made it a point to produce family-friendly, feel-good content that doesn’t make anyone uncomfortable. That has helped me stay clear of many of the negative stereotypes. Whether it’s Khatron Ke Khiladi or MasterChef, I’ve chosen platforms that add value to how people perceive me. Being a male influencer in India still invites skepticism—but if you lead with authenticity, society starts to understand the intent.
5. How do you deal with online hate and the constant pressure to perform?
In the beginning, it affected me a lot. I couldn’t understand why people were being so harsh. But over time, I realized—if you give people space to love you, they’ll also take space to criticize you. That’s social media. The real challenge is when negativity crosses over into your personal life, especially your family.
My way of dealing with it? I try to turn haters into believers. Even when people dismissed me as “just a TikToker,” I kept working. When they saw the effort, some of them changed their minds. Hate, like trends, doesn’t last. But consistency does.
6. Your fashion game is always on point. What’s one rule every guy should follow—and one trend you regret?
Know your colors, know your fits, and finish with the right accessories. Dressing well doesn’t mean overdressing — it means choosing what flatters your personality and body type. Personally, I swear by tones like beige, green, red, and peach.
As for regrets? Probably skinny jeans! Back then, it felt cool. Now, I look back and wonder why I ever squeezed myself into those. Fashion evolves, and so should we. Comfort and confidence now lead the way for me.
7. You’ve cracked both the algorithm and the industry. What’s been tougher?
Both are tough, but in different ways. Cracking the algorithm requires discipline—every day you’re thinking of new content, editing, posting, managing engagement. It never stops. But building a brand identity that earns the respect of the industry? That’s another level. Early on, we didn’t wait for brands to notice us. We created content around them—free, thoughtful posts just to prove we understood their ethos. That consistency eventually paid off.
8. What’s one thing your fans don’t see behind your “cool guy” image?
The volume of effort. I used to post 15–17 videos a day—not one or two. And later, when I transitioned to reality shows, people finally saw the other side—the hours of rehearsals, the physical and emotional demands. What fans see now is the result of years of back-end work. It wasn’t always visible—but it’s all real.
9. If someone wants to build a personal brand today, what’s more important—being trendy, being real, or being consistent?
You need all three. Trends keep you current. Consistency keeps you visible. And being real? That’s what builds trust. If you can balance all three, you’re not just building a brand—you’re building something that people will remember, and respect.
10. Ten years from now, when people say “Mr. Faisu,” what do you want that name to stand for?
Positivity. That’s it. I want people to say—he was good to people, he had good intentions, he spread good energy. Beyond fame or followers, that’s the only legacy I care about. You don’t need to be loud to make a statement. Sometimes, quiet consistency speaks the loudest.
Faisal Shaikh didn’t just ride the wave of the creator economy—he helped shape it. From short-form viral clips to long-form credibility, from internet boy-next-door to reality TV star, he’s become a case study in reinvention without losing your roots. In a landscape driven by pace, clicks, and perception, Mr. Faisu offers a rare constant: show up, stay true, keep building. And maybe—just maybe—smile through it all.
