From Villain to Vlogger: Ashish Vidyarthi's Inspiring Reinvention Journey at 62

 

The International Kolkata Book Fair has  been a melting pot of literature, culture, and unexpected moments. Pratayay Sur, director of Idearcade Digital Solution, found himself in an impromptu yet riveting exchange with none other than veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi in recent Kolkata Bookfair . The celebrated artist, turned vlogger , motivational speaker, and stand-up comedian, shared his thoughts on storytelling beyond the silver screen. Their engaging conversation, filled with insights on digital media, passion for life, and the joy of reinvention, has been exclusively captured by BongJournal.

This conversation appears to be from the 2025 Kolkata Book Fair, where actor Ashish Vidyarthi discusses his various roles including being a YouTuber, motivational speaker, and stand-up comedian at age 62. 

Pratayay Sur: Since I have caught you making your vlog , what are your experiences as someone deeply involved with the digital media space and that as a vlogger?

Ashish Vidyarthi: I am someone who is ardently in love with life. I capture life, its essence and the nitty-gritties of humanity. That's how I see myself! Earlier before my life as a YouTuber I flirted with photography.Now instead of clicking the camera, I capture the same experiences on video.

Pratayay Sur : Since you had a deep tryst with films, this is something you have a hindsight about. But is this vocation any different from your experiences on the silver screen? Do you get into the skin of any character while vlogging?

Ashish Vidyarthi: Absolutely not. It's starkly different from that of an artist as I break the fourth wall to become a storyteller who chronicles the lives of the people. It's a privilege for me as I possess multiple identities i.e. an actor , a YouTuber , stand-up comedian and even a motivational speaker! Even today I have come to the City of Joy for delivering a motivational speech and also to grace the event of Sushil and Nidhi Poddar-authored book “Blaze” being released in Bengali. I even have a lust for travelling around the corners of Earth! 

Pratayay Sur: Right! So this is the follow-up and also the last question. As you are a multifaceted person what identity is prominent in you the most?

Ashish Vidyarthi: All of them and none of them! I am living my life with exuberance!