Ankush Bahuguna's rise from an architecture student to a celebrated content creator and actor is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his humorous sketches, beauty tutorials, and relatable content, Ankush has carved out a unique niche in the digital world. His journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when the path is uncertain.
From his early aspirations of acting, Ankush navigated through various creative fields, eventually finding his voice and audience online. With a mix of spontaneity and strategic content creation, he has built a loyal community that resonates with his authenticity and multifaceted talents. Ankush's story is not just about virality and fame; it's about perseverance, staying true to oneself, and continuously evolving.
In this candid interview, Ankush shares insights into his transition from architecture to content creation, the challenges he faced, his creative process, and how he balances his bustling career with personal life. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring content creators and discusses his aspirations for the future. Join us as we delve into the world of Ankush Bahuguna, a modern-day storyteller who continues to inspire with his creativity and authenticity.
BFH: Can you tell us a bit about your journey from architecture to becoming a content creator and actor?
AB: I've wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. It's been the ultimate childhood dream. It just took me a long time to be able to say it out loud. I never thought I could make it, so I buried that dream and pursued architecture. While I was in college, I took to writing and landed myself an internship and eventually a job at a leading online publication. In a blink of an eye, I was in front of the camera, acting in comedy sketches and short films. started making my own content, and there's been no looking back. I moved to Mumbai last year and have been training as an actor here ever since. I think life has an interesting way of pulling you towards whatever you were made for!
BFH: What inspired you to start making content on social media, and how did you find your niche?
AB: To be honest, I never wanted to become a content creator. I barely knew what it entailed. I wanted to be an actor. But a lot of my comedy sketches went viral, and people really appreciated my writing and comic timing. I never actually thought I was funny until then. I was working for an online publication as a script writer, social media manager, and actor. Lockdown happened, and we were left on our own. I used to make a lot of short, funny videos and upload them on Instagram, and people lapped them up. And I realized that if I could write, perform, and edit, I could just do it for myself and build my own community. And that was when I wholeheartedly gave in to content creation.
BFH: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you started, and how did you overcome them?
AB: The biggest challenge was to make content when nobody was watching. What people see is the virality; what nobody talks about is the years and years that go into building that audience. Another struggle has been to stay authentic, still surprise audiences, and diversify as a content creator. Be it comedy, makeup, dance, or travel! The only thought that motivated me to deal with all these challenges was that people don't follow you for your viral videos, they follow you for authenticity. And being authentic means being okay with exploring your personality, interests, and thoughts through your content.
BFH: Can you walk us through your creative process?How do you come up with ideas for your videos?
AB: In comedy, it's literally just spontaneity. There's no formula for it. In beauty, I put myself in the shoes of my audiences and make content that adds value to their lives.
BFH: How do you balance your time between content creation, acting, and personal life?
AB: It's hard to switch between so many things. But I do make serious efforts to disconnect from everything else and take out time to train as an actor, which is really important. The way content works is very different from the way cinema works. Acting is very different in many ways from performing comedy. As far as my personal life is concerned, I still struggle to maintain that work-life balance, to be honest.
BFH: As someone in the public eye, how do you maintain your physical and mental health?
AB: I have a lot of friends who don't treat me any differently than they did when I wasn't a public figure. That helps. And I talk about how I feel. I'm very expressive, and I'm okay with being vulnerable. I don't bottle things up. I go for runs sometimes just to keep my body moving, but I do wish I were more disciplined when it comes to physical fitness.
BFH: What does a typical day in your life look like, from morning routine to bedtime rituals?
AB: I hate saying this, but my day begins with my phone. But you've got to be an avid social media user if you want to create content that's relevant and current. You've gotta know what's happening around you and what people are talking about. But now I give myself 5 minutes to scan through everything on my phone, then I try and go for a run. After I'm back, I write a big to-do list for the day that never gets completed, of course. But hey, at least I'm trying. My days are mostly very mundane—wakeup, script, shoot edit—but then there are days that are mad hectic. There can be 3 events in a day, and I will be running around doing photoshoots, changing 3 makeup looks, making appearances, coming back after midnight, and crashing! It's really that unpredictable.
BFH: Do you follow a specific diet or nutrition plan to stay fit and healthy?
AB: Not at the moment. I find it hard to stay motivated.
BFH: What kind of workouts do you enjoy the most, and how do you keep your fitness routine exciting?
AB: To be honest, I struggle with workouts. I'm not a gym rat; I have to find newer ways to feel excited about fitness. I do love running, though. Morning runs feel amazing! I also enjoy gymming, but only after I've gotten into the groove. I fall out of the groove as easily as I fall into it, haha. But I try. I have been wanting to join dance classes, maybe because that is literally the best form of exercise.
BFH: How do you manage stress and maintain a positive mental outlook, especially with the pressures of social media?
AB: I think I actively try to detach myself from my work every now and then. So I don't start associating my self-worth with how well a video performs. Of course, it's easier said than done, but I think it's important to remind yourself that your life is a lot more than your work, and you don't have to be an extraordinary achiever to live a fulfilling life. That takes some of the pressure off. I tell myself that I can't be my best all the time, and that's okay. With social media, I have found so much love and acceptance. Just by being myself. What could be more gratifying than that?
BFH: How would you describe your personal style, and what fashion tips do you have for our readers?
AB: My personal style, I'd say, is playful and very open. I say open because I love trying newer things. I love the play of colors, silhouettes, and trends. I have always seen men wear the same old suits and polo tees while growing up, and I never saw myself limiting myself to that. I think fashion and personal style are forms of self-expression for me. I love dressing up when I want to make an impression, but I'm also the kind of person who would be the shabbiest person in the room on some days. I am very very meticulous about my clothes when I'm in that zone, and I could be roaming around in mismatched, unironed clothes too. The one tip I'd wanna give is to follow your gut feeling. A hundred people around you could tell you that that outfit looks stunning on you, but if you feel something is off, trust it. Because that unsurety will peak through. Your outfits look their best when you're feeling them. Otherwise, it's really not worth it. Wear something basic, but wear what makes you feel like your best version.
BFH: What are some of your favorite self-care practices or routines?
AB: Skincare is self-care for me. We spend so much time hating our bodies and our skin that we forget to be grateful. Skincare is giving it back to your body. It's also about loving yourself, no matter how rough life gets. For the last few years I try not skipping skincare. On bad days, I pamper my skin extra! It's my way of showing up for myself, even in my lowest phases.
BFH: How do you manage your relationships and social life with your busy career?
AB: With time, I see myself finding it easier to disconnect from social media and spend quality time with people I love. I used to feel the urge to share everything on social media, every little update, but that's changing. I've done so much of that, practically living online 24*7, that now I really value my offline time. I know I may not be able to be in constant touch with my friends, but I make sure to never miss milestones in their lives. I make sure to not miss birthdays, weddings, or other important events. It counts; it really does. I try to pick up all calls, even if it's just to say, Hey, I'm busy. I'll call you back later. And I do always call back. I may be busy, but I'm never unavailable or unapproachable. I think these habits really matter.
BFH: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating content online?
AB: Know that there's no formula for success in content creation. You can get overnight fame, and you can spend years and years making the best content and still not get noticed. Step into it knowing that your finances are going to be irregular. The best way to approach it is to take up a job that pays your bills, start content creation on the side, and quit when you know you're making enough money through content!
BFH: What are your future goals, both personally and professionally?
AB: Personally, I'd like to get better at living a healthy life. Professionally, I really hope I can continue to build this online community and make it big as an actor!
BFH: Who are some of your role models or people who have influenced your career the most?
AB: I think I'm so much more inspired by people around me than by public figures because I've seen their struggles closely. I don't get inspired by success, I get inspired by one's grit and perseverance. I have so much love and respect for people who keep at it regardless of where they reach. I'm inspired by each and every friend of mine!
BFH: How do you use your platform to address social issues, and what causes are you most passionate about?
AB: I'm an entertainer, and people follow me because they want their daily dose of laughter. It's as simple as that. I also understand that with such a big platform comes responsibility. But having said that, there are issues I may not be the best informed about, so I take my time to read up on things and talk about them if I have something important to add to the narrative.
BFH: How do you keep learning and growing as a content creator and actor?
AB: As an actor, training really helps you grow. Watching cinema helps you grow. Just accepting yourself makes such a big difference in the nuances you can bring to your performance! As a creator, I learn every day from my audience. I learn by looking at other creators. The more I make content, the more I explore my own personality.
BFH: Can you share one of the most memorable experiences from your career so far?
AB: I think being on the cover of Forbes as the first male beauty influencer last year was truly special. So was Cannes! But I believe the biggest milestone is yet to come!
BFH: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, and what new projects or ventures are you excited about?
AB: I see myself evolving as a person in the next 5 years. Hopefully, I'll have my own little beauty brand; hopefully, I'll still be making funny stuff; and hopefully, I'll have grown as an actor and done some incredible work. But more than anything, hopefully, I'll will still be believing in myself!