Pakka Belagavi Hudga: How Vadiraj Babaladi became North Karnataka’s comedy sensation

Bengaluru

Vadiraj Babaladi, fondly known as Pakka Belagavi Hudga by his fans, has become a familiar name in Karnataka’s comedy scene. Originally from Belagavi, the young content creator and stand-up comedian has built a loyal audience with over 3.64 lakh followers on Instagram and 1.56 lakh subscribers on YouTube. His witty and relatable sketches in Kannada, particularly in the North Karnataka dialect, have won hearts across the state, making him one of the most beloved regional entertainers online.

Rooted in theatre
Vadiraj’s interest in performing began early at school. “I always had an interest in theatre and acting. It all began when my Kannada teacher made us enact lessons instead of just reading them,” he recalls. Those moments sparked his fascination with storytelling and performance. His involvement in college theatre further nurtured that interest, earning him recognition among peers and audiences alike.

In 2019, driven by curiosity and creativity, he began filming short interviews and comic skits using a friend’s mobile phone. Initially, he experimented with Hindi content but soon realised it wasn’t connecting. “I realised how language made a huge difference. My Hindi videos didn’t capture enough audience from my region,” he says. That realisation became a turning point. He switched to making videos in Kannada, particularly the North Karnataka dialect, and immediately noticed how people related to them. The response was encouraging and marked the start of his journey as a regional content creator.

Rise of the digital icon
When the pandemic hit, Vadiraj shifted his focus to Instagram, determined to explore and create regularly on the platform. With the help of his friends in the apartment, he turned content creation into a daily routine. “We brainstormed ideas every night and shot videos during the day. It became a habit,” he says. His observational humour, often inspired by day-to-day life, quickly resonated with viewers.

“Most of my content is based on what I see and hear around me. For instance, I’ve taken conversations between my father and his friend and turned them into comedy reels,” he explains. What keeps his content fresh, he believes, is his personal touch. “Adding my flavour to the videos keeps them unique,” he smiles.Vadiraj believes that creativity is not bound by geography or resources. “You can create content sitting anywhere; it doesn’t matter which city you live in. What matters is learning and growing,” he says, emphasising the importance of adaptability in the fast-changing world of digital entertainment.

Stepping on it
In 2020, Vadiraj began performing stand-up comedy, initially as part of group line-ups. After honing his craft, he presented his first solo show in 2024, an hour-long performance that played to a packed house in Belagavi. “It was an amazing experience. I had doubts about whether people would pay to watch a North Karnataka stand-up set, but those doubts vanished once I saw their response,” he says.

Encouraged by the success, he launched a Karnataka tour, performing in multiple cities. After moving to Bengaluru, he has already staged two successful shows. “North Karnataka people have often been misrepresented in movies with exaggerated accents, but now creators from our region are telling our stories through social media,” he notes. He credits the growing online presence of regional comedians for changing perceptions and bringing authenticity to North Karnataka representation.

Dreams and challenges
Vadiraj now hopes to create a micro-series on Instagram, written, directed, and produced entirely by him, featuring other North Karnataka creators.
“It will have a cinematic touch and will be completely self-made,” he says. He also aims to expand his stand-up performances to major Indian cities and abroad, while preparing to relaunch his YouTube channel with renewed energy.

His journey hasn’t been easy. “It was my father’s dream to see me as a Chartered Accountant or a bank manager,” he says. “He was worried about my interest in content creation. I was scared too, wondering if this could ever be a real career.” Yet, persistence and passion helped him find his path. “I started with no phone and makeshift equipment. That struggle made me stronger,” he says proudly. Today, he earns through brand collaborations, ticketed shows, and corporate performances, and appreciates his agency, CloutPocketAces, for helping him reach bigger opportunities.