Saurabh Pandey Interview
Saurabh Pandey is a popular content creator bridging relatable Indian household humor across platforms.
With millions of followers on Instagram and a thriving family of 1.25M+ subscribers on YouTube, his pure authenticity rules every screen.
Q. Millions of people know you through your entertaining content, but beyond the laughter and the camera, who is Saurabh Pandey? We'd love to know how you would describe yourself.
I'd like to say that who I am on screen is totally opposite to who I am in real life. I mean, on screen, as you might see, many times I play toxic characters, very blunt... Well, I am a bit blunt in real life too. I play those characters, but I'm not toxic in real life... in real life, I am full of life, full of love. I really like helping people. I try, I mean, I make an effort, that if because of me there's even a little bit of positivity, a small positive change, or anything good happening in anyone's life, I try to do that. I love being in love, I love helping people. And I am very jolly, very cheerful. I love living life.
I am also blunt in real life because I don't listen to anyone's nonsense, ever. And I live my life on my own terms. I'm not afraid of anyone; I mean, no one can stop me. So yeah, even in real life, my personality is such that I fully own who I am, and I don't care about the world at all, what people think or don't think, because their opinions simply don't matter to me.
Q. What inspired you to step into content creation? Was there a particular moment or experience that made you feel this was something you wanted to pursue?
I started content creation in January 2024. And it was all of a sudden decision because I didn't even know anything about content creation or that such a thing existed. I used to see many people, but I didn't think that... I used to wonder whether one even makes money from it or not. I used to think that people just get famous so that they can get work. I didn't understand that money could actually be made through content creation.
At that time, I was working in the fashion industry and I was extremely frustrated with my job because the schedule was super hectic and there was no personal life. Plus, the pay scale was very low, so I wasn't happy in life regarding my career. At that point, I was like, I need to do something else because, I mean, I definitely didn't want this life for myself forever.
Then, some friends advised me that I should try stand-up comedy because I was a bit humorous. But I didn't have enough confidence to stand among a crowd and speak, wondering whether my jokes would land or not. So, I used to watch videos anyway, and I thought, 'Let's try posting a bit on Instagram.' If the videos worked out or if I felt that people were liking my jokes, then I'd give it a shot.
And that's how I started content. It was very random, like, I thought about it today, and the next day I told my family, 'Mom, I'm thinking of doing something like this.' They were a bit protective of me, thinking I wouldn't be able to handle trolling or anything, since I'm a bit sensitive too. So, they were like, 'If such things happen, you won't be able to take it, so it's better not to do it.' But then again, as I mentioned earlier, I don't listen to anyone. I am extremely stubborn. So, I was like, 'No way.' If people troll too much, I'll just delete the account, what's the worst that could happen, right? But it shouldn't be that I don't even take the risk. I didn't want to regret later that I never even tried. And that's how I stepped into content creation."
Q. Looking at your journey today, we're sure it hasn't always been easy. Were there any challenges, moments of self-doubt, or setbacks that truly shaped your journey? We'd love to hear about how you navigated those phases.
Life isn’t easy. Everyone faces problems, and I had my share, but I’ve always viewed them positively and believed that everything works out for good, call it my delusion or whatever.
At one point, we had to leave our joint family home. Because of financial constraints, my parents and I lived in a chawl for four years. My dad worked as a taxi driver while also covering expenses for my grandparents and siblings back in the village. Initially, I felt terrible, not for myself, but for my parents having to live like that. That emotional phase sparked a fire in me to achieve something and give them a better life, which ultimately pushed me to where I am today.
I started out in fashion, working in the industry for five years. I commuted 2 to 2.5 hours each way from Kalyan by train for a very low pay scale. When COVID hit, I lost my job and was unemployed for a while. But you have no choice, you just have to keep going and find work.
Going through those times taught me that no one comes to help you. Relatives who talk today, good or bad, were nowhere to be found back then. I remember borrowing money from a close friend to pay my brother's school fees because not a single relative stepped up. I realized that you alone are responsible for your circumstances, good or bad. With that mindset, I kept working. Over time, my salary improved, COVID passed, we moved into a decent 1 BHK flat, and I brought my siblings over from the village.
Eventually, I transitioned into content creation, starting from absolute zero after seeing the bottom. When I needed a laptop for college, I didn't ask my dad because I knew he couldn't afford it. Instead, I paid my own fashion college fees by working 12-hour weekend shifts at 'Lifestyle' for ₹700 a day, earning around ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 a month by working on holidays too.
Those experiences taught me to value everything I have today by God's grace. Even when I had nothing, I never complained or questioned why others had more, I just believed my time hadn't come yet. When my fashion salary finally reached ₹40,000 after 3 to 4 years, I felt like the richest person in the world. Having that independence, providing for my parents, and taking on my siblings' responsibilities gave me freedom and earned me respect within the family.
Q. Your content feels incredibly relatable, as if it comes straight from everyday life. Where do you usually find your ideas, and how do you turn simple moments into stories that connect with so many people?
Right from the beginning, I’ve strongly connected with feminine energy. Up until 12th standard, I was raised primarily by my grandmother, mother, and sister while my dad lived away for work. Growing up around so many women, I constantly observed them, watching village women gather, listening to their stories, drama, playfulness, arguments, and gossip. My sister and I used to come home and mimic how different aunts talked.
Those childhood observations built up inside me. I saw how paternal aunts, sisters-in-law, and relatives behaved, though back then, I had no idea I would create content. I just always wanted to act and be in the spotlight. Since 7th or 8th standard, my dream was to be known. I even wanted to pursue music and singing at one point, but our financial situation didn't allow it.
Today, those early observations drive my work. It’s reached a point where if my mom or sister says even a single line, I notice it and can write an entire script around it. My comedy relies on placing myself in those positions and exaggerating them, like a sister showing off after marrying into a wealthy family or a blunt daughter-in-law. Nobody acts quite like that in real life, but comedy isn't comedy without exaggeration. You have to add extra elements, whether through dialogues, looks, or performance.
Q. Many aspiring creators look up to your journey. If you could give one piece of advice to someone who's just starting their content creation journey, what would it be?
I don't consider myself to be in a position yet where I should guide anyone or give anyone advice. But yeah, it's just that I've seen a lot of people when they start content creation, they begin copying others, right?
but that's okay, I feel like in the beginning you don't really understand what will work out and what won't. But I think staying original is very important, what your originality is and what you are doing differently. Because all comedy creators or whoever they are, they do similar things, right? What sets them apart is their style, what unique thing they are doing or how... I mean, what different perspective they are bringing to the table, that's all it is and nothing else.
And it's always about being yourself, first of all, right? Because how you are in real life, your purity, your innocence, or whatever character lies within you, it reflects on your face, right? And you connect with the audience in that same way. Some people literally look so negative on screen because they are very negative in real life. On the other hand, there are many who play toxic characters, and watching them might make you angry or whatever, but still, you'll see a certain purity on their face. You'll see that innocence showing that they are innocent in real life. So, I feel a person should never lose their inner core character. And I believe that the purer you are inside, the more purity you'll be able to put into your work.
So yes, and it's also about doing good for everyone, for yourself as well as others. Try not to hurt anyone because people put in a lot of hard work into whatever videos they make, they work really hard. For instance, in my case, right from looks to scripting, shooting videos, and editing, it's a huge process. A lot of time goes into it. And then when you see someone just taking it and copying it in the name of inspiration, like 'Oh, we were inspired...' No, that's not inspiration, that is copying, right? So, at that point, it feels bad, but what can you even do about it?
You can't do anything, so the point is to stay real. If you literally... There are thousands of creators sitting there copying others who achieve nothing. They just copy, but to what extent can you keep copying? So that's why, if you want to stand out as different, having your own originality is extremely important. Right? So first, figure that out... because having everything clear right at the start is not important. It's okay, I mean, I experimented a lot, I explored a lot regarding what was working out and what wasn't... and mostly all original creators do the exact same thing, right?
Because they don't need to draw inspiration from anyone else. Become an inspiration within yourself; you are an inspiration in yourself. If you look within yourself, a lot of things will come out."
Q. Before we wrap up, we'd love to know a little more about your interests. Is there a book, movie or series that you enjoy reading or watching and is your favourite.
I try to read books, but time constraints make it difficult, though I genuinely want to start. In my free time, I watch web series, Schitt's Creek is my absolute favorite, and I've watched all six seasons on loop three times. I also love bittersweet, romantic, and heartbreaking movies like The Fault in Our Stars, Me Before You, P.S. I Love You, The Notebook, and Five Feet Apart. Even though I create comedy in real life, watching these emotional films feels good.
Music deeply heals me, especially during low or overwhelming moments. I feel a hidden musician inside me, and I connect strongly with 80s and 90s classics, as well as songs by Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal. I also love dancing, especially to Bhojpuri songs, because their energy and vibe are unmatched. When it comes to my favorite person, I’m my own favorite. Self-love and self-priority are essential.
This wasn't really a question as such, but I'll still give some life advice based on what I've learned from my own journey. Being a giver is good, but it must be done within limits because takers rarely set boundaries. If you keep giving without limits, you will empty yourself. Always fill your own cup first, and give to others from the overflow. Share love, respect, and help where you can, but keep yourself as a priority and live on your own terms. You alone are responsible for your life, your choices, and your livelihood.
When I started creating content, many people poisoned my family's ears with doubts, worrying my grandmother and mother. I simply asked them for time. Today, those same people respect my success. Never waste energy arguing with critics or acting rudely; just focus on your work. Eventually, your work and the position you reach will answer on your behalf. Above all, prioritize self-love, when you love yourself, everyone will automatically love you.
Bio
Saurabh Pandey (@saurabhinsync) is an Indian digital content creator, performer, and former fashion designer known for his character-driven observational comedy.
After pursuing higher studies in fashion design in Mumbai, Saurabh spent five years working as a designer in the fashion industry. Driven by a desire for greater creative independence and work-life balance, he made a career transition in January 2024 to pursue digital content creation on social media.
Drawing inspiration from his upbringing, where he closely observed the stories, humor, and daily conversations of the women in his family, Saurabh writes and performs short comedic sketches portraying familiar Indian household dynamics. His exaggerated portrayals of relatable family figures and everyday scenarios quickly gained traction, building him a large and dedicated audience.
Guided by a philosophy of self-reliance, authenticity, and self-love, Saurabh continues to build his platform on his own terms, focusing on original storytelling and creative expression.
Interviewed By Himanshi Bhatt
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