Monalisha Mahapatra Interview
From saree videos to a YouTube billboard in Mumbai, I still feel like I’m living a dream.”
1. Can you share a bit about your journey — what inspired you to start and how it all began?
I first got into photography while studying at Delhi University. Friends would often ask me to take their pictures and complimented my eye for detail and style. That gave me confidence to get in front of the camera myself. I began posting self-portraits and photography work on Facebook, which was huge around 2013. Soon after, I started getting modeling assignments, and by 2015, I discovered Instagram.
At the time, I was working a regular job but still sharing pictures online. Then one day, a brand reached out to me via Instagram DM and offered me ₹3,500 for a blog post and pictures. That was a turning point. I realized this could be more than just a hobby, and I never looked back.
2. What were some challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Challenges have always been part of the journey, and they continue even today. For me, the key was never having a “Plan B.” I wanted this to work, so I committed to it fully.
The toughest phase came during Covid, when advertisers stopped paying and opportunities dried up. At the same time, Instagram Reels had just launched, and I was initially hesitant about being on camera. But I had no choice except to adapt. Luckily, Pinterest approached me to create videos, which gave me a push into paid video content. I started posting the same videos on Instagram, and one Reel went viral — showing me there was a future in this new format.
Keeping up with trends and algorithm changes is always challenging, but if your purpose is clear, you can adapt. I’ve kept learning and evolving, and that’s how I continue to grow.
3. What keeps you motivated to continue creating and staying consistent online?
Content creation feels like a part of who I am. I’ve always been creative — in school I loved fine arts, dancing, and singing. Creativity runs in my Bengali family, so it feels natural.
When I started making videos, it was difficult at first, but I grew to love it. During Covid, my mom suggested I try making saree videos, which really took off. From then on, I never looked back. For me, creating isn’t just work — it’s my lifestyle. Breathing and creating go hand in hand.
4. How do you handle negativity or criticism on social media?
After almost a decade of creating content, I’ve faced plenty of negativity and hate online. When my Reels go viral, I often get skinny-shamed, which used to hurt deeply. I remember one video in particular where the comments really shattered me.
Thankfully, I have a strong support system. My family, especially my brother, encouraged me to ignore the hate and focus on the positive. It took about a year to build that mindset, but now I no longer let negativity affect me. I focus on the good comments, reply to them, and sometimes even playfully respond to the negative ones. At this point, the hate doesn’t bother me anymore.
5. What’s something your followers might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people assume I’m Odia because of my surname, Mahapatra. But actually, I’m Bengali — and proudly so! It often surprises new followers when they discover that I’m a Bengali girl from Delhi.
6. What’s your message to aspiring creators and young individuals trying to find their path?
My advice is simple: just start. Create content around what you love and upload it without overthinking. That’s exactly how I began.
It helps to have supportive family and friends, but it’s equally important to set your own boundaries. After a month, look at what your audience is responding to, then double down on that. Stay consistent, stay passionate, and keep moving forward.
7. How do you balance personal life with the pressures of staying relevant online?
For me, it’s not about staying relevant. I create because I genuinely enjoy it. My audience appreciates my saree content — that’s where I started — but over time I’ve also explored hair care, DIYs, and other areas I enjoy.
To maintain balance, I take weekends off — no work calls, no replies. But I’m always professional about brand commitments. I also follow a content schedule, which keeps things organized and prevents overwhelm. Knowing exactly what I need to shoot and when makes managing work and personal life much easier.
Bio:
Monalisha Mahapatra is a proud Delhi girl with Bengali roots. Born and raised in New Delhi, she graduated with a degree in Botany Honours from Gargi College, Delhi University, before pursuing her master’s in CAD Design.
With over 2 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, MonaLisa has established herself as a leading fashion and beauty creator, inspiring a primarily female audience. One of the highlights of her journey was being featured on a YouTube billboard in Mumbai – a surreal moment that marked her growth in the digital space.
Coming from an Air Force family background, MonaLisa grew up with a dynamic lifestyle that shaped her outlook on life. She is deeply passionate about fashion, travel, and exploring new places. At home, she is supported by her loving parents and brother, all Delhiites at heart.
Ambitious and unapologetically driven, MonaLisa believes in hard work and determination to achieve her goals. She proudly embraces breaking stereotypes while chasing success and financial independence.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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