Aanchal Agrawal: "I Just Create What Comes To My Mind..." | Exclusive

Content creator and stand-up comedian Aanchal Agrawal speaks to whosthat360 exclusively. In this conversation, she opens up about her content creation process, her take on social media algorithms, and much more.

Excerpts...

What inspired you to create content around middle-class anxieties?

I grew up in a middle-class family, and I live that, so it wasn't some big inspiration that pushed me to create this kind of content; it's more about experience. These are things I've lived, things that feel painfully funny to me, and I just started sharing them. Turns out, a lot of people relate.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What's the concept behind 'Ameer Kaise Lage', and how do you come up with ideas?

I actually thought of it first while lying in a cabana next to a 5-star hotel pool on a work trip. I was enjoying the sun in my bathrobe and felt very rich, so I found it hilarious how a simple change in what we are wearing can make us feel differently, and I made that video ‘swimming pool me ameer kaise lage'.

How do you balance humor with relatability in your content?

I just want to create content and perform because that's my job, so I keep trying things and then do more of what works for my audience. Every time I have tried to be funny or to be relatable it hasn't worked for me, but whenever I have created what felt natural and authentic to me, it struck a chord. So I don't really try to balance any relatability and humour, I just create what comes to my mind.

Photo Credit: Instagram

How do you manage your creative and entrepreneurial sides?

Being a creator is basically being an entrepreneur. You're handling everything from pitching yourself to brands to delivering content, it's all on you. So, I think most creators in that sense are entrepreneurial. I want to try a lot of things in life, so I keep experimenting. Entrepreneurship is just one of those paths.

What's the significance of 'Middle-Class Chic on a Budget' in Indian society?

Honestly, I'm not even sure what middle-class chic means anymore. With social media and the internet being an integral part of our lives, our lifestyles have elevated significantly since the last decade. I don't think anything is middle-class chic anymore, which is probably why my series is doing well. It taps into that nostalgic sweet spot people miss.

Photo Credit: Instagram

How can comedy be used as a tool for social commentary?

I actually end up doing quite a bit of social commentary through my comedy, though that wasn't really the plan when I started. But over time, I've noticed that some of my work does have a social impact. Comedy, by its nature, is speaking truth to power and questioning the status quo. When you make people laugh, it softens them and gives a perspective without making it feel like an attack that makes them see things differently.

How do you measure success as a content creator?

As a creator, success often ends up being measured by numbers. I've made peace with it. Of course, there are moments when a video I had high hopes for doesn't perform well, and that stings. But then there are times when a video I didn't expect much from takes off. The algorithm has its own way of balancing things out. Every day feels different, and that's just part of the journey.