How a Nati video turned Shimla girl Shivani Thakur into social media influencer
- Hindu outfits again call for mass protest in Mandi on November 19, seek to reclaim mosque land - November 14, 2024
- Mandi, Kullu, Kangra or CM’s wife: Who will get lone vacant berth in Himachal cabinet as race hots up after ouster of CPSs - November 14, 2024
- ‘Bharat Mata…’ Wife’s last salute in Mandi as Himachal martyr killed in J&K laid to rest - November 12, 2024
MANDI: Shivani Thakur, a social media influencer from Himachal Pradesh, has created a unique place for herself online. With over 6 lakh followers on Facebook and 1.70 lakh on Instagram, her popularity continues to soar.
Although less active on YouTube, Shivani still enjoys a dedicated fan base of 70,000 subscribers.
Originally from Karsog in Mandi district but living in Shimla, Shivani completed her studies from Auckland House School and Loretto Convent in Shimla before pursuing a BSc in Nursing.
She even worked as a nursing teacher at a private institute before her life took a new direction during the COVID-19 lockdown.
During the lockdown, with time to spare at home, Shivani casually uploaded a Nati (traditional Himachali folk dance) video on Facebook.
To her surprise, the video went viral. Buoyed by the positive response, she continued posting more Nati videos, and her follower count began to climb rapidly, marking the start of her journey as an influencer.
Shivani’s next big leap came when she launched a dance contest for children on Facebook.
The contest doubled her followers and earned her the admiration of many. She views this contest as the turning point in her social media journey, fuelling her dedication to engage and grow her audience further.
Showcasing Himachali culture and tradition
After crossing 1 lakh followers, Shivani was provided the services of a manager by Facebook for 10 days, who taught her essential social media skills. This guidance propelled her efforts and soon she reached new heights.
Shivani began focusing her content on Himachali folk art, traditional food and village life, offering viewers a unique glimpse into her culture’s beauty and simplicity. She believes her mission is to promote and preserve Himachal’s heritage, and she credits her success to staying rooted in this mission.
Facing criticism from relatives, locals
However, her journey was not without challenges. Shivani faced backlash from some locals, who claimed her content was harming Pahari culture.
Despite the negative comments and even personal insults, she remained undeterred, dedicated to her vision. Over time, as her popularity grew, her critics fell silent.
Today, Shivani is recognised as a celebrity across Himachal Pradesh. She is frequently invited to promote brands, schools and events, earning both respect and compensation for her work.
She has appeared in over 20 Himachali folk songs and received numerous offers for advertisements.
Although not interested in films, Shivani hints at an upcoming project that will bring Himachali culture to the big screen.
Shivani has also spoken about the potential mental health impacts of social media overuse. She advises users to be mindful of what they consume, for how long, and at what times, emphasising the importance of balance.
Shivani got married recently and now she lives at a village in Shimla’s Rohru with her husband, who manages an orchard.
The couple also collaborates on social media content, bringing smiles to their followers.
Shivani acknowledges her husband’s invaluable support in her journey to success and continues to look forward to growing her influence while staying true to her cultural roots.
