My Biggest Dream Come True Would Be to Work with Ekta Kapoor: Robin Kurian aka Romolika

Internet's favorite Robin Kurian, also known as Romolika, has been delighting audiences with his hilarious portrayals of different television characters. Since 2019, this talented digital content creator has been captivating viewers with engaging content. Holding a prominent role as a Director, Producer, and Anchor, Robin continues to make valuable contributions to the industry. Known for his memorable character portrayals from popular Indian dramas and viral Urdu videos, Robin's love for dark humor and immersing himself in diverse roles shines through in his work.

In an exclusive conversation with WhosThat360, Robin opens up about his love for comedy, Ekta Kapoor, his popularity in the neighboring country, and a lot more.

Your talent for mimicking iconic characters from Indian daily soap operas has garnered widespread recognition. How did you discover this unique ability, and what inspired you to showcase your talent on social media platforms?

This talent was not much hidden from me! I have been a keen observer growing up, I used to pick up on unique gestures my teachers would do and try to imitate them in class. Even my teachers would be amused by this. Once my teacher offered me extra marks just so that she could watch me imitate her. TV had a big influence on me, especially the female characters as I used to dress up like them and enact self-composed scenarios. Social media just made it more empowering for me as my fantasies have been realized into beautiful content pieces.

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Your mimicry videos not only entertain but also create a sense of nostalgia for many viewers. How do you select the characters to impersonate, and what kind of research or preparation goes into perfecting your impressions?

I grew up being obsessed with TV characters and I love getting into their skin enough that I would sometimes tap into a character during a normal conversation with my friends and family. So, I select characters that I always used to admire and social media acts as a stage where my passion could be amusing for people while they experience a sense of nostalgia.

I have been religiously following TV shows since childhood, which act as a framework for the scripts I've written. I have a deep understanding of the shows that I enact. Now I look at those shows from a more mature lens so I could see what part of it was regressive and I try to introduce a progressive approach through my satirical scripts.

Do any fans take offense with how their fav character has been portrayed? Or do you think people are now chilled out?

No, I don't think they are offended. They are rather flattered because my approach is refreshing for them. I try to bring out the obvious irony of older narratives of TV shows we grew up watching and convey a sarcastic take on it, which gives out a larger message along with humor. People are obviously chill and extra supportive of newer ideas. I have received love in abundance compared to hate and that's a good sign.

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As a member of the queer community, you've been a strong advocate for acceptance and representation. How has your personal journey influenced your content creation?

Since I came out as a Bisexual person, I try to be more in touch with my feminine side. I decided to stop people's opinions from coming my way of expressing myself. When I first put out a video dressed up as a woman, I was blessed with so much love and acceptance online. As someone who has been subjected to verbal abuse by classmates and sometimes by teachers, this acceptance was really empowering. Finding out that there are people who would love you for who you are, you attain an unbeatable level of self-love. It gave me the confidence to go all out and break gender stereotypes through my videos.

Your content has gained popularity not only in India but also in Pakistan and within the global queer community. How do you think your work helps foster a sense of unity and understanding among diverse audiences?

Art can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of where you belong and what you believe. We don't inspect art and try to dissect its inheritance before enjoying it. My audience doesn't let this foolish judgment come in the way of their amusement. My comment section is filled with people from both countries enjoying the humor and discussing it as it belongs to both of them equally. They perceive each other as peers ignoring the countries they belong to. It surely brings me joy to see them come together keeping their differences aside.

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In addition to your mimicry, you also create engaging Urdu content. Can you tell us more about your decision to explore this language and the significance it holds for you?

I have also been hopelessly in love with Urdu courtesy of Bollywood. Soon my love for the language influenced me to watch many Pakistani dramas and I observed that anything said in Urdu sounds so pleasant to hear, even a squabble would become poetry if done in Urdu. This heavily motivated me to spread this love with the rest of the world by creating Urdu-centric content.

Comedy has often been a tool for challenging social norms and initiating important conversations. Have you encountered any obstacles or resistance while using humor to address sensitive topics, and how do you handle such situations?

I think the audience has evolved now, they are more accepting and have been a big part of my journey. I have even formed a group of who back me up even if there's a slight hint of hatred from anyone online. The gang blessed me with the confidence I needed to experiment with comedy since I know they will receive it with welcoming hands.

Your authenticity and courage have made you an inspiring figure for many individuals within the queer community. What advice would you give to others who may be struggling with self-acceptance or facing societal challenges?

The most relevant advice is to find the validation you seek in others within yourself. Life is too short to be delayed in the hope of others accepting us. Let them struggle in figuring out how they wanna accept you because there's nothing wrong with you, it's their problem if they can't find reasons to love you anymore.

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With your growing influence and platform, do you have any future plans to expand your content creation or engage in other creative endeavors?

Yes, I do wish to explore acting more. I would love to actually be part of a TV show or reality show like Bigg Boss someday, I know my gang would love that! The actor in me craves a role in a web series or film or anything that comes my way. Creatively, I would soon love to pivot in a direction where I could make content on complex themes like feminism, queer love and probably give out a stronger message.

How do you balance the need for authenticity and staying true to yourself while creating content that appeals to a wide range of viewers?

I believe authenticity involves being true to yourself and expressing your honest opinions with your audience. I always try to create a true connection with people, hence many people find me relatable.

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Has there been a particularly memorable or heartwarming response from a fan or follower that stands out to you?

My character, inspired by Anupamaa, has been the most loved by people. Sometimes people send me voice notes of their mothers blessing me and informing me that they enjoyed my video thoroughly. I cherish this as the best compliment I've received for my work. Once, a follower sent me a real crown all the way from Maharashtra, which was really heart-touching.

How do your family and friends react to your content?

My friends have been my biggest support throughout my journey. They voluntarily act as my co-stars and cameraperson, help me with production, and also constantly shower me with immense love whenever I am lost. However, my mom still secretly prays for me to give this up and become an engineer.

With so many content creators, and the challenge of creating content every day, how do you maintain the balance between real and reel?

As much as I love my online family, I also understand the importance of real-life conversations. Social media couldn't be the only source of joy hence I spend time with friends a lot with whom I can be myself without feeling the pressure of constantly being happy. Surrounding yourself with people who could see you beyond your content is relevant to stay grounded and being in check with reality.

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Does online toxicity or hate bother you? How do you deal with hate comments or random comments?

Sometimes I laugh at it! I do appreciate constructive feedback but if it's a specific attack on my color, sexuality, or something that I was born with, it just depicts how less informed people are. I cannot alter the way God has designed me. Sometimes, I do like to give it back by showing how stupid they sound while doing so.

What's your dream project or collaboration?

My biggest dream come true moment would be to work with Ekta Kapoor in any capacity. She has been my biggest inspiration for becoming a storyteller. Her stories have influenced me in many ways and I would feel blessed to be related to something she is working on. Other than that, I have always admired Vidya Balan, it would be an honor for me to be able to work with her someday. My dream collaboration would be to be able to make something with Rupali Ganguly herself, the Anupama fan in me is already manifesting it.

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