Welcome to the new wave of talent in the film industry! With the rise of influencers, it’s time to celebrate the new stars of the silver screen. Yes, we’re talking about the digital influencers in Bollywood. We’ve all heard the dialogue, “Picture abhi baki hai mere dost” from the movie ‘Om Shanti Om’ – and this is so true when it comes to the impressive new talents that have been breaking the mold and setting the bar for the film industry.
What’s the secret behind the success of these influencers? Well, apart from their immense talent, it’s their ability to connect with their fans in a unique way. Each of them has their own distinct style and appeal, making it easier for viewers to relate to them. Their creative ideas, hard work, and dedication to their craft have made them the ultimate icons of the new generation.
So, let’s buckle up and get ready to embark on this exciting journey with “Digital Influencers in Bollywood: The New Wave of Talent”!
Digital Influencers In Bollywood
1. Prajakta Koli
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlysane/
Instagram followers: 7.3M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MostlySane
YouTube Subscribers: 6.8M
Prajakta Koli, also known as Mostly Sane, is a content creator and actress who has gained popularity through her YouTube channel and collaborations with Bollywood celebrities. Koli began her career as a radio jockey before transitioning to YouTube, where she posts videos on relatable daily life scenarios and interviews stars on her show “Pretty Fit“. She gained further recognition with her short film “Khayali Pulao,” which focuses on women empowerment, and her role in the Netflix coming-of-age romantic drama “Mismatched” & “Mismatched- Season 2”.
Koli made her Bollywood debut in the comedy-drama “Jug Jugg Jeeyo,” starring alongside Varun Dhawan, Neetu Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Kiara Advani. It is a family drama with a tinge of humor, Prajakta plays Varun Dhawan’s sister Ginni Saini. She will also be appearing in the Prime Video Original film “Neeyat” alongside Vidya Balan.
Koli is just one example of the rising trend of influencers in the film industry. These individuals, who have built a large following on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, are increasingly being sought after by filmmakers and studios for their talent and ability to reach a massive and engaged audience. The success of Koli and others like her show that the line between traditional fame and online influence is becoming increasingly blurred, with influencers being able to make the jump from the digital world to the big screen with ease.
2. Shirley Setia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirleysetia/
Instagram followers: 7.5M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_c7EFVXxmQMjj5E2CchGXg
YouTube Subscribers: 3.85M
Shirley Setia is another shining example of the new wave of talent that is emerging from the world of social media. Born in Auckland, Setia first gained popularity by singing Bollywood covers on her YouTube page. It wasn’t long before she became a sensation, with a huge fan following and acting offers coming her way.
Setia’s first film, Maska, was released on Netflix and was followed by Nikamma this year. She also made her Telugu film debut with Krishna Vrinda Vihari. Setia’s success story highlights the increasing influence of social media influencers in the film industry.
Gone are the days when traditional avenues were the only route to success in the entertainment industry. Now, individuals with a strong online presence are able to leverage their popularity and talent to break into the film industry. Shirley is among them. Isn’t it?
3. Kusha Kapila
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kushakapila/
Instagram followers: 3M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kushakapila5643
YouTube Subscribers: 764K
Kusha Kapila is a rising star in the Indian entertainment industry. With a strong presence on social media, she has attracted the attention of Bollywood directors and producers, leading to collaborations on film promotions and brand campaigns.
In 2020, Kusha made her acting debut in the Netflix anthology film Ghost Stories, and since then, she has continued to expand her acting career. She played the role of Masaba’s manager, Nicole, in the second season of the Netflix show Masaba Masaba, and also hosted the third season of Comicstaan on Prime Video alongside Abish Mathew. In addition to her hosting and acting work, Kusha has also appeared in the reality sketch comedy show Case Toh Banta Hai on Amazon MiniTV and was a guest on the popular talk show Koffee with Karan on Disney+ Hotstar.
And in 2022, Kusha Kapila made her debut in Bollywood with the movie Plan A Plan B. She is seen in the role of Tamannah Bhatia’s friend in the movie. Talking about the upcoming projects, Kusha will be seen with Shilpa Shetty in Sukhee and Thankyou for coming.
Kusha’s success is a testament to the growing influence of social media influencers in the film industry.
Also Read: Streamline Brand Collabs With These Best Influencer Apps for 2023
4. Carryminati
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carryminati/?hl=en
Instagram followers: 16.4M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarryMinati
YouTube Subscribers: 37.6M
Ajey Nagar, better known as Carry Minati, is a popular content creator on YouTube known for his roast videos and satirical content in the Hindi language. In 2021, he made his acting debut with a cameo in the film Runway 34, directed by Ajay Devgan. In the film, Carry Minati played himself as a passenger on a flight flown by the film’s two lead actors.
Carry Minati rose to fame with his skits and reactions to trending topics on his YouTube channel, which has amassed a large following in India. His natural performance in his film debut garnered praise from audiences and even led to offers for more acting work.
5. Viraj Ghelani
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClN3t33jTqg/?hl=en
Instagram Followers: 1M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsSoViraj
YouTube Subscribers: 149K
Next, we have Viraj Ghelani known for his work with Dice Media and his comedic content centered around his Gujarati roots and the quirks of Mumbai life. Viraj made his Bollywood debut in the Disney+Hotstar digital film Govinda Naam Mera. In the film, produced by Dharma Productions, Viraj played the role of Bhumi Pednekar’s boyfriend alongside Vicky Kaushal and Kiara Advani. He has also appeared in the recent blockbuster of SRK- Jaawan.
6. Dolly Singh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollysingh/?hl=en
Instagram followers: 1.5M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dollysingh6355
YouTube Subscribers: 680K
Billy Masi’s nemesis Raju Ki Mummy is yet another internet sensation who made her Bollywood debut. In Bhaag Beanie Bhaag, Singh played Swara Bhasker’s best buddy, and audiences praised his acting. Further, she was seen in the web series Modern Love: Mumbai, and the movie Double XL a comedy film directed by Satramm Ramani, starring Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, Zaheer Iqbal and Mahat Raghavendra where she played a role of Saira’s friend as ‘Meera’.
7. Sahil Khattar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahilkhattar/
Instagram followers: 636K
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Khattarnaak
YouTube Subscribers: 118K
Sahil Khatter is a popular YouTuber and Bollywood actor. He owns two YouTube pages, Khattarnaak and Being Indian, and has amassed a large following with his energetic content and skilled commentary.
In 2021, Khattar made his acting debut in the film 83, directed by Kabir Khan and starring Ranveer Singh. In the film, he played the role of cricketer Syed Kirmani, a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Khattar’s performance in the film was well-received by audiences, and he has since gone on to act in other projects, including the digitally released film 200 Hallo Ho on ZEE5.
In addition to his acting work, Khattar has also had stints as a radio jockey and television presenter. With his diverse background and strong online presence, Khattar is a prime example of the new wave of talent coming from the world of social media influencers.
Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan And SRK Team Up For Hilarious Everest Biryani Ad
8. Arun Kushwah – one of the Digital Influencers in Bollywood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchotemiyan/?hl=en
Instagram Followers: 186K
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHOTARECHARGE_littleBhai
YouTube Subscribers: 1.24M
Arun Kushwah is also another shining star in the Indian entertainment industry. A TVF and Screen Patti star, Kushwah made his Bollywood debut in the film Luka Chuppi, starring Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan. He then went on to appear in the Netflix film Dasvi, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Yami Gautam, and Nimrat Kaur. In the film, Kushwah played the comical character Ghanti.
Kushwah’s performances in these films showcase his talent as an actor and his ability to captivate audiences. As a social media influencer, he has a large and dedicated following, which has helped to propel his acting career.
Let’s wrap up: Digital Influencers in Bollywood
In conclusion, the rise of digital influencers in Bollywood films represents a new wave of talent in the industry. These above individuals, who have built a strong following and influence on social media, are now being recognized for their acting skills and are being given the opportunity to showcase their talent on the big screen. The incorporation of influencers in the film industry is a reflection of this shift and it will be interesting to see how their presence continues to shape the industry in the future.
FAQs on the Rise of Digital Influencers in Bollywood
Q: What is a digital influencer?
A: A digital influencer is someone who has built a large and engaged following on social media. They use their platform to create and share content that resonates with their audience, and to promote brands and products.
Q: Why are digital influencers becoming so popular in Bollywood?
A: Digital influencers are popular in Bollywood for a number of reasons. First, they have a direct line of communication with their fans. This allows them to promote Bollywood movies and products in a more authentic and engaging way than traditional advertising. Second, digital influencers are often seen as trendsetters. Their fans follow them for their fashion sense, lifestyle choices, and recommendations. This makes them ideal partners for Bollywood brands and filmmakers.
Q: How are digital influencers changing Bollywood?
A: Digital influencers are changing Bollywood in a number of ways. First, they are helping to promote Bollywood movies to a wider audience. Second, they are influencing fashion trends and lifestyle choices. Third, they are creating new opportunities for themselves and other aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Q: What are some of the challenges faced by digital influencers in Bollywood?
A: One of the biggest challenges faced by digital influencers in Bollywood is maintaining their authenticity. They need to balance the need to promote brands and products with the need to stay true to themselves and their values. Another challenge is dealing with negative feedback and trolls.
Q: What is the future of digital influencers in Bollywood?
The future of digital influencers in Bollywood is very bright. As social media continues to grow in popularity, digital influencers will become even more powerful. They will play an increasingly important role in promoting Bollywood movies and products, and in shaping the industry as a whole.
