PremiumSrishti Dixit: This is a great time for content creators to make their dreams come true | Exclusive
The content creator-actor, who debuts in a feature film this month in Vicky Kaushal’s The Great Indian Family, reveals that she always wanted to be an actor
Last Updated: 06.50 PM, Sep 13, 2023
Srishti Dixit is among the early content creators in India who made a name for herself with her funny and relatable videos on Instagram. Even in her early days, one could gauge that she has a knack for acting from the videos that she makes. So, a foray into acting was the way to go.
Read also: Srishti Dixit on The Great Indian Family: I was happy to bask in the glory of my co-stars
After having starred in a series and mini-series, Srishti is excited about the release of her first feature film, The Great Indian Family. Produced by Aditya Chopra under his Yash Raj Films banner, the movie also stars Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Yashpal Sharma, Sadiya Siddiqui, and Alka Amin, among others, in prominent roles.
Ahead of the release of the film later this month, Srishti got candid with OTTplay about her journey from content creator to actor and what it takes to be relevant in the online space.
Excerpts from a freewheeling conversation…
Acting seems to be a natural progression for content creators. Did you always have acting aspirations? Or was it something that came along the way?
I wanted to become an actor ever since I was young — when I was growing up in Kanpur, then when I went to Delhi for graduation, and then to Mumbai for my post-graduation degree. I thought that it was an impossible dream since I didn't have any connections to actually be able to realise it. But it happened very organically. I became a journalist, a writer, a video producer, and then a freelance content creator. It is not a typical journey for an actor to be on, but that’s how it happened for me.
Yes, one of the many things that content creators are doing now is transitioning into the acting world. Content creation is a flexible kind of work, and there is so much that you can do with your audience and reach. Content creators are manifesting their dreams in multiple ways: by becoming podcasters, launching their own jewellery or fashion line, or starting businesses. The options are endless. This is a great time for content creators, and they can really make dreams come true.
You have been creating funny content on Instagram for years. Have you ever reached a point of fatigue? Or worry that your audience may feel that way?
I have managed to secure a loyal audience. I make stuff that makes me happy and that I like to watch myself, and I hope that people like it too. I don't try to impress everyone. Some people find me funny, and some don’t. Over the years, there have been like-minded people who like what I do. I have formed a community with them, and they are excited about what I do. My job is to keep them close and work for them.
You are among the first popular content creators in India. The market is huge now, with several new players. What does it take to continue to be relevant online today?
It is the same thing for me as it is for newer players: to be consistent, keep putting yourself out there, and try different things and avenues of performance. Being consistent and evolving with my audience has kept me relevant. I was much younger when I started making content, and now I have different tastes, and that reflects in my anecdotes. As a creator, I keep speaking to those experiences and being as authentic as possible.
The Great Indian Family is produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. It stars Vicky Kaushal, Manushi Chhillar, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Yashpal Sharma, Sadiya Siddiqui, Alka Amin, Srishti Dixit, Bhuvan Arora, Aasif Khan, Ashutosh Ujjwal, and Bharti Perwani. The film will be released in theatres on September 22.