Every time I sit down to write one of DYT’s AMA sessions, I’m amazed by creators and Madhura Mukopadhaya was no different. The Incalculable Woman (that’s her Instagram handle, FYI) is a beauty, fashion and travel creator. She blew my mind with her capacity to create content while juggling a full-time job.
Apart from our mutual sadness over Dhoni’s retirement and commiserations on how his announcement was so him, we did talk about things that will be useful to creators.
What got her started on the creator’s journey?
Although the lines are pretty hazy for her now, she does remember starting with Facebook. It was when she realised that Instagram was more than just sharing personal images that she started posting travel photos.
It was when people got interested in what she was doing that her creator journey began. She’s been in the serious creator mode for 1.5 years, and as per her, it has been an amazing journey.
Her bio says she is a pathological dreamer. What does that mean?
Madhura is a full time HR personnel. Yet, every chance she gets to create content, she does. Why? Because “I have the itch to be busy all the time. I can’t sit still.”
That’s where being a pathological dreamer comes in. She continuously keeps thinking of trying new things and challenging herself. So much so that she’s learning Spanish right now!
Her bio also says she is a procrastinator. Isn’t that contradictory?
Her procrastinating shade comes through because she has yet to master things. She is “good at everything but not great.” Her advice to creators is to stick to one thing, unlike her.
The second answer she gave on being a pathological dreamer and a procrastinator stuck with me:
“It’s a catchy bio line, don’t read too much into it.”
Is the beauty creator thinking of expanding platforms?
Not for the coming year, at the least. Her focus will entirely be on Instagram because she has a number in her mind, and she wants to attain it.
How is she coping with creating content with COVID limitations?
She immediately and laughingly says:
“Ghar ka kona kona, every inch has been covered to create content, from the roof tank to the garage.”
But she accepts that she did reuse old content. Since she is in the fashion and beauty niche also, she did have the liberty not to go outside to create content, which was a saving grace.
Is she thinking of pivoting and exploring new categories?
She is working on creating content in Reels format but nothing beyond it. Why? Because for her, it is about finding a way out when stuck in a sticky situation. As they say, where there’s a will, there is a way.
But more than that, she feels people are continually scrolling, so no content can ever go stale. So, even when she puts up one or two repetitive things but with full honesty, it is pardoned.
Being a Bengali girl and staying in Kolkata, does she think of creating content in another language?
Yes.
Her insights show that it’s largely users from Calcutta who are kind enough to give her a follow. So, while her primary language is English, she often switched to Bengali.
She also drops three great tips for creators:
- When you want a wider reach, pick Hindi and English.
- If you want to connect with the audience, your local lingo is the best way.
- Also, switch the vernacular based on what you are creating. The example she gives is “If it is something quintessentially Calcutta, then local language is the choice.”
Has she ever faced a creator’s block?
There are always 2 ways to look at a problem, as Madhura says. So, she doesn’t call it a block. She accepts that it is difficult to create from the boundaries of your home, but it is not a block per se.
While she’s blessed enough to have a home with enough corners to use for creation, it’s been challenging to find new ways regularly. Those struggles taught her two things:
- How serious she was about producing content.
- And that she gets a natural high from overcoming snags.
Is she a one-woman army when it comes to producing content?
Yes. From the writing to the editing, she does it all. Most of it, she learned on her own on the way. It has gotten overwhelming at times, but it gives a thrilling rush to her. And as she says, “It is not rocket science. It’s pretty easy.”
Does she randomly think about content creation while at work?
“All the time, because my mind is always on it.”
Even when she’s out with friends, she carries products to shoot in a new background.
It makes you wonder if every one of us were as dedicated as content creators, we’d have solved climate change by now!
What creators inspire Madhura?
She is a goofy person, as is visible from her easy-going content. That’s why her inspiration comes from creators like Kusha Kapila and Abhishek Upmanyu. Her beauty content is inspired by Malvika Sitlani Aryan and Shannon.
What is her advice to new creators?
- Keep your posts consistent.
- Even if you have just two genuine comments, address them.
- If you cannot be an original – copy, but do it with credits. It’s called being inspired.
My take on the AMA session.
One of the viewers of the live AMA session complimented Madhura on her eyes. She instantly and candidly replied, “It’s all good makeup.”
It takes guts to say so on live Instagram. But more than that it tells me Madhura has achieved something few creators do – understanding that reel life is separate from real life.
That’s what I took away from the conversation. And Madhura, if you are reading this, then I am happy the session resulted in a great idea for you – starting online makeup classes!
Cover picture credits: Madhura’s Instagram Profile
