Social media influencer and model Sohail Shaikh had over 10.3 million followers on TikTok before the app was banned. Sohail is now looking forward to make a career in acting...

Sohail Shaikh

What does the term ‘influencer’ mean to you?

The term influencer means someone who influences others. In my case, I am a very positive person. I do good things in my daily life and people around me do get influenced because of that. Even I get influenced by other influencers.

How do you keep yourself relevant?

I do a regular update of my life on social media. How I live, what I do, and where I go, on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. It helps my well-wishers in knowing me well and I even do live sessions so that I get to know about my fans’ likings and also their demands.

What drives your creativity?

I am a creative person. I want to do things that no one has ever tried before. I try and look for new and innovative ideas on social media and other platforms and then merge them with my ideas.

You have collaborated with many celebrities. Who was your favourite and why?

I have had a good experience with almost all celebrities. I loved working with Hrithik Roshan sir and Nawazuddin Siddiqui sir. They are very down to earth and they heard my script patiently, and even contributed their bit to it.

With popularity, you invite trolls too. How do you react to them?

I have nothing against trollers. I don’t take whatever they say to my heart.

How did the ban on TikTok affect you?

TikTok was my main source of earning. And yes I was upset, but the nation comes first. Fortunately, so many apps have come into the picture now, like MOJ, and I have four million followers on that.

What next?

I want to work both in TV and films. I was about to sign a film, but because of the Covid situation I couldn’t sign it. Maybe when the pandemic situation gets better I will sign it.