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RJ Abhinav: Reliably Funny, Relatably Yours

From scripting and hosting live shows, RJ Abhinav has seamlessly transitioned to crafting engaging content, a journey that mirrors his knack for juggling multiple tasks. The result? A creator who embodies the spirit of modern-day entertainment, where every frame tells a story and every video invites us to laugh, ponder, and relish in the magic of relatability.

Story By: Gavin George
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Stepping into the limelight from the alleys of Delhi, RJ Abhinav, the internet’s go-to guy for relatable content, wears his Dilli vaala Jalwa like a badge of honour. Born in the heart of the bustling capital, Abhinav's content exudes the very essence of the city’s eclectic streets, where every corner hides a story waiting to be shared. His journey from East Delhi's lanes to becoming one of the biggest creators on Instagram has been marked by an astute observation of life's quirks.

Navigating the digital landscape with remarkable ease, Abhinav's storytelling prowess stems from his formative years as a radio jockey. The airwaves taught him the art of concise communication, a skill that finds a striking resonance in his bite-sized Reels.

 From scripting and hosting live shows, he seamlessly transitioned to crafting engaging content, a journey that mirrors his knack for juggling multiple tasks. The result? A creator who embodies the spirit of modern-day entertainment, where every frame tells a story and every video invites us to laugh, ponder, and relish in the magic of relatability. So, get to know RJ Abhinav, up close and personal, with MensXP Tribe’s August issue.

Q. Could you take us back to your early days as a radio jockey? How did that experience shape the trajectory of your journey?

RJ Abhinav: Learning concise communication was a pivotal lesson during my initial radio days, greatly influencing my ability to craft succinct content like Instagram Reels. My radio stint involved live shows with no room for errors, while Reels are pre-recorded, making them more manageable for me. This practice of clear and concise communication now shines through in my Reels. During my radio tenure, I had the opportunity to interact with numerous Bollywood personalities, refining my communication and interpersonal skills. I've always been a multitasker, managing tasks from scriptwriting to hosting shows, mirroring the multitasking required for content creation.

Jacket, Balav, Vest, Kalakaari by Sagarila, Sunglasses, Rosvin Bugs

Q. Transitioning from an RJ to a prominent content creator, what prompted your shift into the digital entertainment realm?

RJ Abhinav: My longing for instant gratification and a theatrical experience led me to explore comedy and video creation, addressing what I felt was missing in radio. Video-making provided a sense of control that resonated with me. My theatre background during my college days introduced me to video editing, facilitating my content production. Encouragement from my radio boss enabled me to create around 40-50 videos initially. Remarkably, my first video to hit a million views was on Facebook in early 2017!

Q. Let's delve into your connection with your hometown. How do you infuse the essence of Delhi into your content?

RJ Abhinav: As a true Delhiite, the city has always been my backdrop. Growing up in East Delhi, I relished outdoor activities, keenly observing the dynamics of daily life – from aunties directing kids' chores to exploring the streets on my Pulsar 220, encompassing both old and new Delhi. My college time in Faridabad introduced me to the local languages of Haryana, adding more texture to my content. Observation has been my guiding principle.

Jacket and pants, Siddartha Tytler

Q. If you could invent a holiday, what would it celebrate and how would people commemorate it?

RJ Abhinav: I always wanted a Dog but my parents were always apprehensive. So I would like to start a “Take Care of a Street Dog Day”! Where you pick a street dog and check his whereabouts at least once a month! If he/she is doing fine, if he needs any medical attention and even better if we can feed them once in a while. If even some of us do it, I think we have them covered.

Q. Your content deeply resonates with your audience. How do you consistently strike that relatable chord?

RJ Abhinav: India is brimming with experiences. Drawing from my own encounters fuels the relatability of my content. Raised in a middle-class family, I tap into relatable middle-class perspectives while embracing aspirational Bollywood themes – a blend that strikes a chord with my audience.

Q. How does the inherent warmth of Delhi's people influence your content creation process?

RJ Abhinav: The general warmth of Indians, particularly in Delhi, is invaluable. Their readiness to engage in conversations and invite you for tea enhances my ability to observe and create content. Delhi's culture of socializing enhances my observation skills, resulting in richer content.

Q. Passion fuels creativity. How do you ensure your content remains fresh, sustaining your unwavering enthusiasm for creation?

RJ Abhinav: My work is a healthy obsession, much like my passions. Even mundane aspects can ignite creativity when my mind is continually engaged with my craft. I'm particularly fond of remixing styles, exploring every second of reactions to situations – a technique I find both fascinating and technically stimulating.

Jacket and pants, Shirt, Kalakaari by Sagarila, Shoes, Pelle Santino, Sunglasses, Rosvin Bugs Rings, The Gehne

Q. Balancing authenticity, relatability, and originality is crucial. How do you ensure your content remains genuine yet resonates with your audience?

RJ Abhinav: Authenticity and relatability are intertwined in this genre. The challenge is to maintain authenticity amid the overwhelming content landscape. Once a new, authentic piece is created, relatability naturally follows.

Q. Juggling influence and audience engagement can be taxing. How do you manage this pressure effectively?

RJ Abhinav: The pressure of staying relevant is significant, particularly as the audience evolves. Consistency and innovation are paramount. Monitoring new creators while sustaining existing engagement forms a delicate balance, guiding my approach.

Q. What's the most amusing rumour you've encountered about yourself?

RJ Abhinav: Rumor had it that I was a famous person's offspring, earning me an invite to the Cannes Film Festival! My online profile also states the wrong age, but I'm pleased that it pegs me a few years younger.

Q. Could you share the quirkiest fan mail or message you've ever received?

RJ Abhinav: Recently, a fan requested to design underwear for me! So cool, right? While appreciative, I'm a tad awkward about receiving such items at my current address.

Q. Looking back, is there a specific content piece that marked a turning point in your career?

RJ Abhinav: The first million holds special significance. My journey comprised gradual milestones – hitting a million views in the Indian DJs vs. Videshi DJs video, the Cannes Film Festival, and Meta Creator’s Day. Walking the red carpet as the first Indian Comedy digital creator was a surreal turning point.

Jacket, Twopointtwo, Shirt and pants, Dash and Dot, Shoes, Pelle Santino, Sunglasses, Rosvin Bugs, Rings, The Gehne

Q. What's the oddest item on your bucket list?

RJ Abhinav: Bucket lists evolve daily. Professionally, infusing tech and gadgets into my content tops my list, transforming from a comedy creator to a tech influencer. Personally, owning a camper van to explore India, inspired by my recent trip to Portugal, is an offbeat goal.

Q. Navigating a crowded digital space is daunting. How do you ensure your content remains impactful amid competition?

RJ Abhinav: After five years, intuition guides my decisions, sieving out initial thoughts to uncover ideas worth pursuing. While competition is present, inspiration better describes the dynamic. I'm particularly motivated by creators who excel in acting. To name some, I look forward to content from Rudymancuso, Rishabh Shukla, Dharna and HustlingRanjan. In Tech I’m a fan of MKBHD and Mrwhosetheboss.

Q. Lastly, what aspect of content creation excites you daily and keeps you motivated?

RJ Abhinav: Recognition, a facet of fame, is exhilarating, although I'm still adjusting to it. The expanding economy and its accompanying income are particularly rewarding for someone from a middle-class background like me. While I cherish the current journey, my adaptable nature might lead me to open a food truck someday or explore new avenues.

Credits
Head Of Editorial Content: Dattaraj Thaly
Story By: Gavin George
Director: Sambhav Bali
Photographer: Karishma Bedi
Creative Direction and Styling: Ayesha Amin Nigam & Shaurya Athley
Assistant Stylist: Aprajita Puri
Fashion Assistant: Janhvi Kohli
Producer: Vinod Kumar
DOP: Bhanu Joshi
Video Editor: Souvik Basu Thakur
Visual Designer: Disha Bhatia
Talent Management: Tarkeshwar Singh
Social Media Head: Aanchal Grover