In a candid revelation, National Award-winning actor Ashish Vidyarthi recently shared an intriguing narrative of how a serendipitous encounter during the pandemic led him to embrace vlogging. Partnering with GoPro, Vidyarthi embarked on a journey to tell captivating stories, leading him to view people more intimately, turning fleeting moments into memorable tales. This venture significantly boosted his online presence, garnering 1.93 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Actor Ashish Vidyarthi Vlogs, and 1.5 million followers on his Instagram handle.
Ashish was recently spotted in Kerala, where he was weaving his magic as part of “Raining Smiles,” his unique initiative aimed at spreading cheer through stand-up comedy amidst the monsoons. This ‘project,’ as he calls it, involves impromptu gigs at various cafes and restaurants, starting from Kanyakumari and journeying through Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kochi. Unlike “Sit Down Ashish,” his more structured and rehearsed stand-up shows performed across the country, including at renowned venues like Habitat in Mumbai and Black Cat in Kolkata, “Raining Smiles” thrives on spontaneity and authenticity. “I come to places where performances are not usually held, meet people, and perform,” says Vidyarthi, emphasizing the raw and unrehearsed essence of these impromptu gigs.
In person, Ashish exudes the same warmth and friendliness that his followers on his vlogs have come to love. There’s an unhurried charm about him as he settles down for a conversation, with his wife Rupali by his side, accompanying him on his travels.
Reflecting on his illustrious film career, Vidyarthi, who won the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Drohkaal,” seamlessly navigates between mainstream and arthouse cinema. His recent appearance was a cameo in the Malayalam film “Aavesham.” Despite juggling various roles, Ashish enjoys the constant travel and adventure, stating, “I go to bed completely tired. I like to go to bed tired rather than bored. And I am not bored!”
Ashish’s vlogs do not just stick to storytelling; they extend to exploring culinary delights. His food stories, where he explores little-known food joints with locals, have struck a chord with his audience. He fondly recalls his first food reel, a candid video of him enjoying vada pav in Mumbai, shot by a colleague. Starting from zero subscribers on YouTube and around 20,000 followers on Instagram, the current figures reflect his meteoric rise as a vlogger and content creator.
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Vidyarthi reveals that his entrance into the world of content creation was unplanned. “It was an interesting period of my life when I was going through stuff. It is said that the more you keep looking at yourself, the more you get depressed. Things don’t go according to plan, and this [vlogging] too was not planned.” Despite initially having little knowledge about vlogging, Vidyarthi found the process therapeutic, helping him navigate challenging times.
Beyond his love for acting and vlogging, Ashish is also a motivational speaker, a role he has embraced for the past 13 years, requiring regular travel. “That was my first new avatar…the vlogging part is new. And stand-up comic is the newest. For me, it is an extension of who I am. The material comes from my life, I can laugh at myself…which is again therapeutic,” says the multifaceted 58-year-old. He also manages another YouTube channel, Fifty Plus Zindagi, and a podcast, the Ashish Vidyarthi Podcast.
Despite his packed schedule, Ashish continues to handpick film projects. With over 350 films in 11 languages under his belt, he seeks roles that are central to the film. “So, I’m looking for those amazing roles, and when I say amazing, I mean one that is central to the film. As an actor, it is interesting to wait for things to happen.”
When questioned about his ability to juggle so many roles, Vidyarthi simply credits his early mornings. “I have time for everything because I wake up very early. On the days I have a shoot, I record my vlogs before and after it!”
In an age where versatility is celebrated, Ashish Vidyarthi stands out as a beacon of adaptability and resilience, seamlessly blending his numerous passions into a life filled with purpose and joy.
