Ashish Vidyarthi, a multifaceted personality known for his National Award-winning acting skills, has recently ventured into the realms of content creation and stand-up comedy, reshaping his impressive career during the pandemic. Vidyarthi’s latest passion for vlogging and stand-up comedy has not only diversified his professional portfolio but also connected him with a broader audience through platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
The pandemic served as a turning point in Vidyarthi’s life, when he discovered the potential of the GoPro camera. This chance encounter sparked a journey of storytelling that resonated deeply with his fans. Observing people more closely and capturing their stories ignited his creative spirit. Consequently, Vidyarthi has amassed 1.93 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Actor Ashish Vidyarthi Vlogs, and 1.5 million followers on Instagram. These platforms have become vital outlets for his expression and interaction with his audience.
Most recently, Vidyarthi has been touring Kerala as part of his ‘Raining Smiles’ project. This initiative aims to spread joy and laughter by following the monsoon across the country, performing spontaneous stand-up gigs in cafes and restaurants. What started in Kanyakumari has now reached cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kochi. Vidyarthi prides himself on the organic, unrehearsed nature of these performances, contrasting them with his more formal stand-up show, Sit Down Ashish. The latter has seen him perform at notable venues such as the Habitat in Mumbai and Black Cat in Kolkata. Through Raining Smiles, Vidyarthi embraces informal settings where he can engage with people in unique, impromptu ways, making the performances special and memorable.
In person, Vidyarthi exudes the same warmth and friendliness seen in his vlogs. His easy-going nature is evident as he settles into conversations during his travels, often accompanied by his wife, Rupali. Despite his extensive career, Vidyarthi balances mainstream and arthouse films with ease. His performance in the Malayalam film Aavesham left a mark on the audience, reiterating his versatility as an actor. Balancing these multiple roles does not seem to be a challenge for Vidyarthi, who relishes constant travel and new experiences. “I like going to bed completely tired rather than bored, and I am most certainly not bored,” he asserts, reflecting his unyielding zest for life and work.
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Vidyarthi’s vlogs often feature food exploration, visiting lesser-known eateries guided by local recommendations. This content has become particularly popular, showcasing his genuine interest in diverse culinary experiences. He recalls his first food reel, a simple clip of him enjoying vada pav in Mumbai, which was filmed by a colleague. At the time, Vidyarthi was new to the world of vlogging, starting with zero subscribers on YouTube and just 20,000 followers on Instagram. The impressive growth in his online following underscores his appeal and capability as a content creator.
Interestingly, this new chapter in Vidyarthi’s career was not a result of a ‘purposeful design.’ Rather, it stemmed from his desire to merge his passion for traveling and eating, allowing him to express himself beyond the traditional confines of acting. Moreover, Vidyarthi has also been a motivational speaker for the past 13 years, a role that complements his newfound pursuit of vlogging. “Becoming a stand-up comic is the latest expansion of who I am. My material draws from my own life, allowing me to laugh at myself, which is also therapeutic,” the 58-year-old reflects. Alongside his main YouTube channel, he runs another titled Fifty Plus Zindagi and hosts a podcast named the Ashish Vidyarthi Podcast.
Even as he delves into new ventures, Vidyarthi continues his film career, strategically selecting projects. With over 350 films in 11 languages, he has earned the liberty to be choosy, seeking roles that are central to the narrative. “I’m looking for amazing roles, ones that are pivotal to the film,” he says, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work.
One might wonder how Vidyarthi manages to juggle such a packed schedule. He attributes his ability to do so to waking up early and maintaining a structured routine. “On days when I have shoots, I make sure to record my vlogs before and after the shoot,” he explains. This disciplined approach enables him to stay engaged in his numerous pursuits without compromising on any.
In conclusion, Ashish Vidyarthi’s evolving journey showcases a remarkable blend of talent, curiosity, and resilience. From acting in critically acclaimed films to connecting with audiences through vlogging and spreading laughter via stand-up comedy, Vidyarthi continues to inspire with his multifaceted endeavors. As he navigates through his diverse roles, one thing remains constant: his unwavering passion for storytelling and connecting with people.
