"Consistency, Content and Creativity"

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

From my early childhood, I loved food, enjoyed the food. My mother is the reason that I love food and cooking. She is an amazing cook and makes lip-smacking recipes. And my mother told me that my maternal grandfather was a famous “Halwai” in Amritsar so now I know where the love of food came from

I wanted to be a scientist first but then got interested in engineering. I did my schooling from The Army Public School Dhaula Kuan as my father was in the army. Then I did my B. Tech in IT from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. I am working as an IT consultant in an MNC presently.

I used to watch Vinod Dua on Zaika India Ka going to every local vendor and hawker. Telling us historical facts and anecdotes about the place. I was fascinated by it. I wanted to do something like this but differently. I wanted to explore street food and homemade food at one place. Then Instagram happened and rest is history.

2. When did you first decide that you wanted to create content and how did you start?

It all sparked in my head in Dec 2016 that I wanted to do something like this after watching Vinod Dua and Sanjeev Kapoor. Sanjeev Kapoor is the epitome of Indian cooking and of course Vinod Dua who is always up for some lip smacking dishes from legendary outlets.

So, In January 2017 I gifted myself a new smartphone with a decent camera. I created my account the same day and started posting homemade content which was going well.

But the turning point came in Feb, I went to Hunar Haat Fest which showcases various food cuisines I clicked some shots from the fest they went viral and I never looked back from there.

I cooked desi homemade recipes which were quicker and easier to make. People enjoyed them. Then after I started posting Street food content from some known outlets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar. People went crazy and wanted more. And It been 3 amazing years.

3. Is vlogging and Instagram content creation a financially sustainable career?

I would say yes if you know the hows-whens-whats of vlogging and Instagram content creation. In yesteryears when media marketing was in its nascent stage, digital marketing was considered a risky business.

Now social media has totally changed the scenario for bloggers, freelancers, and digital marketers. With multiple platforms as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook opening their door for creators, it's going to get serious. And If You have the knowledge you can go ahead and take this as a full-time job.

4. Who is your favorite creator and why?

Choosing one creator would be really unfair. But yes, I have been a fan of Your Food Lab Sanjyot Keer on Instagram and Cookin Shooking on YouTube by Yaman Aggarwal. Sanjyot Keer for his creativity in videos and posts, the way he plays with ingredients.

Cooking Shooking for his simplistic approach yet creating such amazing recipes from the street and cafes. There are dozens of creators on Instagram who are doing exceptionally well on Instagram.

But to name a few who have helped and supported me in my journey LadyEpicurean, khao_piyo_aish_karo, khana_bazaar, thefoodattacker. Tempting_tales.

5. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content?

At my home, my mother is my inspiration. She makes the simplest of dishes looks so yum. I have always looked up to her for cooking anything as she always guides me.

When it comes to creativity for food, my brain goes into scientist mode, Experimenting with various ingredients and vegetables to bring out the best of a recipe. I first create the recipe in my head and then go ahead in creating & cooking the recipe.

Since the corona outbreak has occurred, People are not able to order from outlets. So, I have been trying to recreate street food dishes, sweets at home. People so far are enjoying it.

6. What does your typical day look like?

Being into IT, I have to work for like 8 to 10 hrs a day. When I am doing my work, I am totally dedicated to it. But when I go for a break, I look for ideas, creativity, and content to create on my profile

Like I ask my Instagram to tell me what dish to post, Let’s do a series on best street food or a live session. If I just want to sum it up, we as bloggers have to reinvent ourselves once in a while to have a firm foot on our engagement. We keep trying and keep being creative

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

Ummm, my favorite book is The Meluha Trilogy by Amish Verma. Such an amazing story based in Indian Puranas and Vedas. During my early schooling, I used to be a book worm crushing on harry potter books, lord of the rings, etc. Mythical Stories, magic, Indian mythology, sci-fi, thriller always fascinated me.

They kind of create something magical in our minds. When I was in college, I read the monk who sold his Ferrari which was a book on positivity and changing your perspective towards life. So, the list is quite long. They can be of any genre but the outcome of the book is always a positive one.

Apart from books I love gaming, watching movies & anime. I recently watched Extraction and The Old guard. I am an anime fan since I was 12 years old, crazy about Dragon Ball Z. I have binge-watched anime for days (if you want to know the best dm me). Tekken 7 is my go-to game when I am stressed out.

8. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring creators?

For the newcomers, I just want to say focus on your content and be ORIGINAL. Observe your fellow bloggers take advice from them If possible. There are 3 C’s of Instagram mantra if you want to build a good following and have a good engagement on Instagram. i.e. CONSISTENCY CREATIVITY and lastly the most important good CONTENT.

And it is the only reason I reached with a decent number of followers. Also, I want to say that being a blogger one should use it wisely and never promote negativity or any socio-political issue. We should be responsible enough.

Check what is working on your feed Short videos, IGTV Videos, carousel posts, or a static post. Engage & interact with your audience via polls, story or lives. Let them be the selector for curating content. Be open to ideas and never stop learning.

I help newcomers in the field of food blogging because learning is a part of me. Learning is a two-way process if you teach someone you learn a thing or two for yourself. In this way, I help anyone who reaches out to me. I enjoy helping others.

- Ankit, Blogger

- Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan