From scrubs to screens: How Dr Nehal Pasha turned Dakhni into his digital calling

Bengaluru

Part physician, part performer and full-time storyteller, Dr Nehal Pasha is redefining what it means to be a modern creator. Based in Bengaluru, the doctor-turned-digital sensation has built a loyal following of over 183,000 on Instagram by creating a digital space where humour, heart and community seamlessly meet. He completed his MBBS degree in Georgia before returning to India to practise and complete his medical internship. Today, he balances both professions with equal dedication, taking his role seriously both in healing patients and making people laugh.

Scrubs to screens
“I’m very introverted and don't talk much. I’m very shy in person, but when I began making reels, things changed,” said Dr Nehal, speaking to News Trail in an exclusive interview about his journey from the medical field to becoming a digital creator. He began making videos in 2023 and soon noticed that audiences were more interested in content featuring the language he spoke.

Although he initially created several videos in English, his Dakhni reels received the most traction. “My first viral video was one where I was speaking in five different languages. It gained 50 million views,” he said. He added that Dakhni was a relatively unexplored space online, and choosing to create content in the language helped boost his reach and engagement.

Breaking family norms
Speaking about how content creation changed his life, Dr Nehal said he comes from a very conservative family where even posting pictures of oneself on social media is considered taboo. “So, when I began creating and uploading videos on Instagram, the scenario at home was totally different. Relatives began distancing themselves from us, and I was seen as a bad influence on the other children in the family,” he said.

However, the perception changed as his content gained recognition and his popularity and financial success grew. “Now, my relatives proudly boast that I am their relative,” he said. Dr Nehal said he takes pride in breaking the cycle and stepping away from the conservative mindset he grew up with, allowing him to pursue something beyond the boundaries traditionally set for him and inspiring many others.

“Content creation has increased my confidence and given me financial independence. Financially, it has played a huge role,” he said. He added that content creation offers young people a valuable opportunity to explore their potential, build confidence and achieve financial independence.

What's next for Nehal?
Speaking about balancing his medical profession with digital content creation, Dr Nehal said effective time management has been key. “Whenever I get an idea, I send myself a voice note and listen to it while recording over the weekends,” he said. Looking ahead, Dr Nehal said he plans to venture into the food and beverage space by starting his own café in Bengaluru, ‘Pasha’s Chai’.

“For the time being, I want to focus more on content creation and explore the media space in greater depth,” he said. Offering advice to aspiring creators, Dr Nehal encouraged them to take the first step rather than wait for the perfect moment. “You’re never going to be fully ready, so just do it,” he said, reflecting on how he began his own content creation journey.