Bhuvan Bam doesn’t need any introduction. The comedian, writer, singer, actor, songwriter and YouTube personality is known for his popular comedy channel on YouTube named BB Ki Vines. In an interaction with M Saad, he talks about his journey so far, his inspirations, the creator economy in India and more. Edited excerpts:
How has the journey been for you as a content creator? How did it all begin?
I was born in Vadodara, Gujarat, to a middle-class family. Academics was never my thing. I was that guy who was always the life of the party, entertaining everyone around. My passion for music, though, really got me going. I’ve been strumming the guitar and singing since I was a kid, and I always dreamed of making a career out of it.
But here’s the twist—my parents had their own plans. They really wanted me to get a degree, play it safe. So, I decided to apply to Shaheed Bhagat Singh College in Delhi University and ended up with a Bachelor’s degree in History. College life, however, wasn’t all about books for me; I kept on singing, and my friends loved it.
Now, when it came to breaking into the music industry, well, it wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. I went to audition after audition, and rejection after rejection was the norm. That’s when I started singing in cafes and restaurants, scraping together about Rs 5,000 a month.
But luck can be a funny thing. One day, I got inspired to make a satirical video about a reporter who asked insensitive questions to a grieving mother during the Kashmir floods in 2014. I shared it on Facebook and, well, it got a few likes. That got me thinking. I made a few more videos like that and started my own channel, BB Ki Vines, in 2015, all thanks to a friend’s suggestion.
Believe it or not, my channel started gaining popularity in neighbouring countries even before it took off in India. I just kept making and posting content consistently. People loved it, and today, my channel has millions of subscribers and billions of views. Oh, and those silver, golden and platinum play buttons from YouTube? They are sitting on my shelf now.
What inspires you the most when it comes to content creation?
The power to connect with people through humour and relatable experiences. I find inspiration in everyday situations, conversations, and the quirks of life. Making people laugh and think through my videos, sharing my own stories, and addressing societal issues in a humorous way—that’s what keeps me going. It’s the joy of knowing that my content can bring a smile to someone’s face and, perhaps, even make them see the world from a different perspective. That connection and impact are what drive me to keep creating.
What do you have to say about the potential of the Indian creator economy?
The potential of the Indian creator economy is incredibly promising. With nearly 60 million creators across various domains, India has a diverse and vibrant talent pool. This diversity is a strength, as it allows for a wide range of content that can cater to various tastes and interests. The growth of digital platforms and social media has democratised content creation, making it accessible to millions. This provides opportunities for creators to showcase their skills, share their perspectives, and connect with a global audience.
The Indian creator economy has the potential to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities. As the number of internet users in India continues to rise, so does the potential reach of these creators.
However, the competition is fierce. With millions of creators vying for attention, standing out can be a challenge. Success often hinges on originality, consistency, and a deep understanding of one’s audience. Creators who can find their niche, offer unique value and adapt to changing trends are likely to thrive. Collaboration and networking within the creator community can also be beneficial.
How do you see the success you have attained so far and your growing popularity in terms of brand endorsements?
The success I’ve achieved and my growing popularity have indeed positively impacted my audiences in terms of brand endorsements. It’s a win-win situation for both me and my viewers.
Firstly, my success has allowed me to collaborate with various brands. When I endorse a brand, my audience sees it as a form of validation. They trust my judgement and recommendations, which creates a sense of authenticity in the endorsements.
On the other hand, brand endorsements also benefit my audience by introducing them to products or services that I genuinely believe in. It can save them time and effort in making informed purchasing decisions. They can rely on my recommendations to discover valuable products or experiences.
