How Pooodup built a loyal community with humour, heart

Bengaluru-based influencer balances laughs and vulnerability in tête-à-tête with News Trail

Bengaluru: Pooodup, also known as Poorav, is a Bengaluru-based influencer with a vibrant following of 270K on Instagram. Known for his high energy and sharp comedic timing, his relatable, laugh-out-loud videos peak during the IPL season. A die-hard RCB fan, he captures the full fan experience from emotional match reactions to late- night street sprints in team gear.

“I function best when I have a lot going on. I often mistake monotony for sadness,” Poorav told News Trail. That drive to stay active, he says, goes back to childhood when he was a high-performing student who thrived on challenge. Poorav’s journey as a content creator began during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.

“At first, it was just something to do, but then it became part of my daily routine,” he said. However, the lure of likes and views brought its struggles. “I got addicted to the numbers… the serotonin rush. It can mess with your head.” Initially inspired by early YouTube stars like Ashish Chanchlani and Niharika NM, Poorav later chose to stop following other creators.

“I’ve seen people copy my work. I don’t want to be accused of the same.” His style draws more from films and shows than from other influencers. “I see this space like a classroom where I’m constantly learning and pushing myself.” He describes his content as satire, using humour to reflect on life’s chaos. “People take life so seriously. But honestly, it’s not that deep.

We’re all just figuring it out.” His videos often pull from personal experiences breakups, awkward encounters, even heartbreak. “My instinct when something painful happens is to turn it into a joke,” he said. “A singer writes a song, a filmmaker makes a movie… and an influencer? They make a video.” Poorav never planned on being a full-time content creator.

“Coming from Mysuru, this industry was foreign to me. When brands first reached out, I didn’t even realise the value of those offers,” he said. It was only after moving to Bengaluru that things changed. “The real divide in this industry isn’t North vs South it’s how brands approach creators.” He emphasises the need for creators to understand their worth.

“You can’t afford to be gullible. I got a manager who helped me see this as a real career. Those early earnings felt like pocket money, but they’ve grown.” While his page often highlights fitness and healthy living, he’s also used his platform to speak candidly about eating disorders, body dysmorphia and mental health especially within gym culture. In 2023, he hit a personal low.

“I couldn’t get out of bed. One day, I saw my name on a detention list and just walked away.” Despite set-backs, he never stopped creating. Through humour, honesty and vulnerability, Poood- up has built more than just a brand – he’s built a space where people feel seen, heard and understood.