1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I've always been a big foodie. I've started my graduation in engineering from computer technology department from Priyadarshini college of engineering. My friends and I always search for new places to hang out and new dishes to eat. I used to eat a variety of dishes and search for what's new in the city. I used to take snaps of my food.
Just like other pictures we clicked, I used to click food pictures as well. I've always been a social kind of person that's why I used to post stories on my personal account (Ruchika.asatkar) as well.
2. What led you to do food blogging?
When my phone's memory was full, I thought to delete all the food pictures because we don't delete our own pictures generally. So I decided to delete all the food pictures. One fine day I was browsing through Instagram and got amazed to see food presented in such an artistic way, I saw one food picture by some Delhi blogger, I checked all the posts which was posted by that Delhi blogger.
I got so inspired and decided to create my own account where I can post food pictures and I can write about them, where I can describe that food. I checked some more food blogging accounts from all over India. And I got inspired a lot.
While others were posting mostly about 5-star food, big star restaurants, and big famous restaurants, I decided to feature hidden gems of Nagpur first and when I'll get a good response I decided to feature joints all over India. I decided to post about those who don't get much much popularity, I decided to feature most of the street places on my page and that's how I decided my page's name "nagpur_chaupati" But due to some restrictions and issues, I changed the name to @ruchika_asatkar.
And now the name of my page is "ruchika_asatkar"(which is my name). At first, my parents denied. They were sceptical of my profession. They always thought that this is not a respectable job; they were worried about societal judgments. They said, “all the other girls are opting for simple and conventional jobs like engineering or teaching. So why do you wish to become a full-time food blogger”.
They clearly said that if you want to do this part-time, then do it for but not for full time. But the days passed, and they realized how serious I actually am for this, and they saw my hard work, I put in a lot of efforts into it. I eventually got recognition from newspaper features, TV channels, and won a lot of competitions too. My parents realized whatever I am pursuing is my passion, and it’s for the best. Now they fully support me.
The first biggest challenge I faced is to be confident, I was very shy and fearful. I was not very confident. I used to underestimate myself a lot because I’ve bullied a lot because of my bad photography when I started this page I had 15,000₹ phone while others have 50K+ phone. The second biggest challenge was convincing my parents, but it was not really hard because they knew blogging gives me joy, I enjoy my job.
When I started my journey I had 20 followers my friends and family and now I have 66k followers, feels like a dream, but hard work gives you everything.
I was very consistent with my work from day 1. I started posting creative content, recipes and everything and it gives me everything.
My favourite cuisine has to be Indian, especially street food. I think the bond between Indians and Indian cuisine is very strong. Not just Indians, Indian food can make anyone a fan of it. The spices, herbs, flavours of Indian food manages to create a niche in everyone’s heart. Pet bhar jata hai par dil nahi bharta. I choose Indian food over everything. I love panipuri and pavbhaji the most
We can actually make our career in blogging. It’s just that you have to ask yourself if you can do this lifetime. There are hundreds of influencers, bloggers who are earning amazingly. If you’re doing good with the content and everything, brands will definitely select you for paid promotions.
3. What does your typical day look like?
My day starts with hot water and honey and then make my schedule for a day “what recipes to make, what to post and a lot more.“ It’s full of energising things, in the day time. I make recipes all day for the page and I give to my family to have the food and they always loved it. And in the evening, I edit my videos and photographs.
4. When did you first decide that you wanted to create and write content about food i.e. for blogging?
My friends used to ask me which food is best in our city, where to go to eat, what to order in this restaurant because they knew that I have great food knowledge. And they force me to start a food page, and people trust me, they trust my reviews. My followers try food from the places that I recommend them. This makes me keep going and keep posting.
5. Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with?
Its white sugar. I resemble sugar the most. Its because all my life, one constant compliment that has never left my side is people telling me that I am very sweet. Also, I adjust according to situations. Just like sugar gets mixed up, I am very adaptable to changing circumstances. Like sugar brings taste to the food or drink, I bring happiness in the lives of my friends. Like sugar loses its individuality, and goes unnoticed, sometimes this happens with me too.
6. Which is your favourite book and why?
Shiva trilogy
Interview By - Benil Joseph
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