In a tale as intertwined as the pandemic itself, acclaimed actor Ashish Vidyarthi found a new companion in a GoPro camera, marking the start of an unexpected journey into the realm of vlogging and storytelling. His collaboration with GoPro ushered in a fresh perspective, encouraging him to view people and their stories with renewed empathy and depth. This newfound dimension of his career coincides with the impressive milestone of his YouTube channel, “Actor Ashish Vidyarthi Vlogs”, amassing an impressive 1.93 million subscribers, and his Instagram following reaching a commendable 1.5 million followers.
Ashish’s latest undertaking, ‘Raining Smiles,’ saw him travel to the picturesque locales of Kerala, trailing the monsoon and spreading joy and laughter through impromptu stand-up comedy performances across the country. Kicking off his journey in Kanyakumari, Ashish made his way through Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kochi, bringing unplanned entertainment to cafes and restaurants. These lively performances are a contrast to his more structured comedy routine, “Sit Down Ashish,” which he recently showcased at prestigious venues such as the Habitat in Mumbai and Black Cat in Kolkata.
His informal ‘Raining Smiles’ is described by Ashish as unscripted, organic, and spontaneous. “I will come to a place where performances are not usually held. I will meet people and perform as well,” he elaborates, making it clear that the initiative is as much about human connection as it is about comedy.
Engaging in conversation, Ashish is exactly as he appears on his vlogs—warm, approachable, and emanating a sense of calm. Accompanied by his wife, Rupali, who has been supportive and an integral part of his travels, Ashish brings an undeniable charm and sincerity to his interactions.
A National Award-winning actor, recognized for his role in “Drohkaal”, Ashish Vidyarthi transitions effortlessly between mainstream and arthouse films. Malayali audiences might remember his recent cameo in “Aavesham.” His seamless ability to juggle various roles is apparent as he professes his love for the ever-changing landscapes and constant movement of his travels. “I go to bed completely tired, I like to go to bed tired rather than bored. And I am not bored,” he shares, embodying the spirit of perpetual engagement.
Ashish’s vlogs touch upon a variety of themes, notably food. Before diving into the culinary world, he began by interviewing extraordinary yet relatively unknown individuals, shining a light on their unique stories. His foray into vlogging was unplanned and came about at a time when he was navigating through personal challenges. “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,” he candidly reveals. Notably, he had little knowledge of vlogging despite prior experience with blogging.
The serendipitous turn to vlogging served as a therapeutic outlet for Ashish. His exploration of local cuisines and hidden food spots, often accompanied by locals, gained immense popularity among his followers. He recounts his first food reel, capturing a moment of him savoring a vada pav in Mumbai. Initially, he had zero subscribers on YouTube and about 20,000 on Instagram, underscoring the vast audience he has captivated over time.
The multiple roles he assumes are not deliberately crafted, as Ashish explains, “I am combining my two loves—travelling and eating. I am expressing myself in ways beyond what I am expected to as an actor.” This genuine passion shines through in his engaging content.
Ashish has also carved out a niche as a motivational speaker for the past 13 years, which involves regular travel and interaction with diverse audiences. This role was his first venture outside of acting, predating his vlogging and stand-up comedy engagements. “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,” he reflects.
Despite his bustling schedule, Ashish continues to meticulously select his film projects, boasting an impressive filmography of over 350 films across 11 languages. “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,” he asserts, showing his dedication to his craft.
The inevitable question arises: how does he manage to balance everything? Ashish attributes his ability to his regimented routine. “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!” he reveals, showcasing a disciplined yet passionate approach to his diverse undertakings.
From the silver screen to the cafés, and from motivational talks to impromptu street performances, Ashish Vidyarthi’s journey is a vivid celebration of life’s diverse stories and experiences, brought together through his multifaceted talents and unyielding enthusiasm for human connection and storytelling.
