Nauheed Cyrusi: "Whoever thinks the term influencer is derogatory can take a seat."

“I’m not an influencer, I’m a content creator…” How often have we heard this line? Well, I am an actor to begin with…in fact, if I was to put down a resume for myself, it would probably read a little something like this—Model, turned actor, turned influencer (and whoever thinks the term influencer is derogatory needs to take a seat…because models and actors have been “influencing” since the time of radio or tv).

When I think about my resume, and look back at my journey, I go back to the time when they used “spotted” as the term for discovering talent. And my discovery and foray into modelling and acting was in the most non cliché, cliché way… I was spotted by a family friend and asked to go for an audition. Long story short, no portfolio or agent later…I found myself acting in probably some of the most memorable songs of our time. I’ll stick with songs because very few will remember that Maula Mere was actually from a movie called Anwar…which, if I can say so for myself, you must watch, because it really was way ahead of its time and still so relevant.

Anyway, coming back to how I ended up “influencing” oh so many people into buying a cream that I use or eat a certain bag of chips. It was once again so natural that it felt like I belonged here all along and I only needed my past career to add a bit of weight to all I talk about. Plus, the 'biggest difference' and probably my 'most favourite part' about the former career was I built connections.

While the film industry teaches you to be an enigma, to be unattainable, Instagram was the exact opposite, and as the most people person possible, I absolutely enjoyed it. Frankly, if you ask me, I only started “influencing” during the pandemic because the industry came to a standstill and I genuinely found myself gravitating towards doing what I did best—model, but in my own way this time around.

Also, while we are talking about it, let’s clear the air about the free stuff one gets…it’s 'never' free. You are always always made to work for it, and very hard.

Now that that’s out of the way, I’d have to say social media as a space is here to stay…but you as a creator will get a few years of your prime on it and I mean for the ones starting out now, including me. While the public may buy into you in your first video, they will eventually see through the façade…so take the plunge with eyes open. I know it can be fairly short lived, but reinventing and capitalising on what you are best at may lead you to start a business or just branch out into buying out a few more years in this new space you have created for yourself… I think of it as a bridge.

I come from an industry where I drove my Zen to the film sets and was asked to get a driver and drive a more expensive car… “Areyyy!” was my literal response. Followed immediately by, “Who will give the money!” Which is why, once again, I feel like this is why I belong here, in a space which allows me to be myself completely and earn a humble living on the side. I remember a time where the hottest line in the industry was, “Madam budget thoda kam hai, but role solid hai (Madam, the budgets are low, but the role is great).” And that role was rarely solid, and the budget never truly low except for yours truly. And that just put me off entirely. So, until I get roles that test my potential, I’m staying put! With my unapologetic self. The film industry as we knew it is no more.