‘I can tell criticism from hate’: Prajakta Koli

On World Social Media Day today, you’d expect an internet star to gush about how the worldwide web has changed their life. But Prajakta Koli aka MostlySane simply says, “I wake up happy!” She elaborates, “When you’re 18, you think at 21 you’re going to be settled and driving your favourite car. But, to me, it came as such a shocker that my dream profession of being a radio jockey didn’t pan out the way I wanted. I was so bad!” That’s when social media came as a saviour and now she has become a sensation. “I feel like it was the best decision ever to do this,” she asserts, albeit admitting, “I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. I am taking each day as it comes.” 

In the past four years, the 25-year-old has managed several feats internationally, such as being invited to the United Nations to represent India on World Tolerance Day to an invitation by the Obama Foundation. She was also the only YouTuber in the world to have an exclusive video chat with the platform's Global CEO, Susan Wojcicki, and also the only one from the country to have been invited by Marvel to collaborate with the cast of Captain Marvel Brie Larson and Samuel Jackson. 

Over to Prajakta for more...

What’s the best and the worst part about social media according to you? 

It has given creators a platform — a place where people can voice opinions and have conversations; where you are visible, have more reach as well as knowledge. The world has no boundaries right now. You could be sitting anywhere and know about anything that you want. The bad part is that we have reached a place where we suddenly let the internet be the controller rather than the other way around.

How do you control the negative side?

When I’m on the net as a consumer and not a creator, I check whether the content is helping me or making me happy or not. When something makes me feel uncomfortable, insecure or insufficient,  I know that this is where you draw the line. That’s the only parameter for me.

What about trolls?

Oh, they are like family now (laughs). Initially, it was difficult to not get affected but it didn’t take long for me to realise that I’m not the problem, they are. Netizens are brutally honest since they can hide behind a user name, so that has also taught me tell constructive criticism from hate. Haters are really loyal — they comment on every video and 100 supporters shut them up. That makes for great user engagement, which helps. I don’t reply to them because it will validate their trolling. Also, every time I think of a comeback, I get an idea for a video, so, I’m winning here (laughs).

What are your tips for upcoming influencers or content creators?

Most importantly, content is king. That’s the only thing that will ever work; no matter how much you push into production, expensive equipment and advertising or promotions. The consumers are honest as well as smart and choose what they want to watch, so don’t take them for granted. Just be yourself — talk about what you believe in and want to say.

If you could steal something from an Indian content creator, what would it be and from whom?

There are so many! From Bhuvan Bam, I’d like to learn how to make all the characters so unique — even if he looks the same for all of them. Ashish Chanchlani has this amazing team that I’d like to steal along with how he is so organised. BeerBiceps (Ranveer Allahbadia) has great attention for detail, which I’d like to have.