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...

• 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.