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Maya the Drag Queen – From Saris and Stages to Social Activism

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Alex Mathew, the unassuming man behind the dazzling persona of Maya the Drag Queen, is a force to be reckoned with. For over six years, Maya the Drag Queen has graced stages across Bangalore, captivating audiences with her vibrant costumes, soulful voice, and powerful message of self-acceptance. But Maya’s journey is more than just glitz and glamour; it’s a story of resilience, activism, and the unwavering pursuit of self-expression.

From Dreaming of Broadway to Becoming Maya the Drag Queen

Alex’s artistic inclinations manifested early on, with him participating in plays and belting out tunes at karaoke bars. However, something felt amiss. Auditions highlighted his thick Malayali accent, seen as a flaw in the industry. Directors relegated him to the background, dampening his spirit. Disillusioned, Alex sought inspiration from an unexpected source: Mrs. Doubtfire. Robin Williams’ transformation sparked a fire within him. He delved into the world of drag, discovering Indian drag pioneers like Kamal Haasan in Chachi 420, and international icons like RuPaul. Thus, Maya the Drag Queen was born.

Love, Loss, and the Road from Kerela to Bangalore

Coming from a conservative Christian family in Kerala, Alex’s initial foray into drag wasn’t met with acceptance. His mother pleaded with him to stop, leading to a period of estrangement. However, Alex persevered, and Maya blossomed. He crafted an elaborate backstory for Maya, a fisherman’s daughter named Mayamma who escaped an abusive home and found solace in performance. This backstory wasn’t just for entertainment; it was a tribute to his mother, Renu Mathew, a champion for abused women. Witnessing her mother’s abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father, Maya yearned for freedom. This fictional narrative resonated deeply with Alex’s desire to create social awareness and empower others. Maya became a symbol of strength and resilience, resonating with the LGBTQ+ community facing similar struggles.

Following the heart-wrenching family rift, Alex found solace and acceptance in Bangalore. There, he not only embraced his passion for drag but also found love with his partner, Anandaraja.

Life Post Decriminalization of Section 377

The 2018 decriminalization of Section 377 was a watershed moment for Alex and countless LGBTQIA+ individuals in India. It wasn’t just a legal victory; it symbolized a shift in societal acceptance. For Alex, it meant performing at his workplace, the Lalit Ashok hotel, alongside colleagues from the LGBTQIA+ community, proudly raising the rainbow flag. This act, once unthinkable, became a powerful symbol of inclusion and a testament to the ongoing fight for equality. The law change, coupled with Alex’s relentless activism, continues to pave the way for a brighter future where LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive and express themselves authentically.

From Performing at Kitty Su to Hosting Storytelling Workshops

While every performance is a vibrant blend of music, ranging from pop anthems to powerful ballads, the true magic lies in the message. Alex, a self-proclaimed “performance-based activist,” uses his platform to tackle misconceptions about drag and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. He educates audiences, dispelling the myth that drag is solely for the LGBTQIA+ community. Alex emphasizes that drag is an art form, a celebration of self-expression, open to all.

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Maya’s repertoire extends beyond dazzling nightclubs. She has captivated audiences at storytelling workshops for children, leaving them mesmerized by the “magician behind the show.” Alex, the man behind the makeup, has also emerged as a powerful voice for change. He conducts gender awareness workshops, speaks at diversity conferences, and actively campaigns for LGBTQIA+ rights and feminism.

A Future Full of Color

Alex’s journey is far from over. With films, documentaries, and chat shows on the horizon, Maya the Drag Queen is poised to continue captivating audiences and spreading her message of love, acceptance, and the power of being true to oneself. Alex Mathew, the man behind the makeup, is a testament to the transformative power of drag and the courage it takes to embrace one’s authentic self.

Anusuya, a Bengali girl in Bengaluru, is an experienced content specialist with a passion for writing compelling articles & blogs while crafting engaging social media posts & website copy. Currently a content manager, she thrives on being hands-on in the creative process. When not meeting deadlines, she enjoys Pinterest-planning her next trips; to explore new cities and immerse herself in local cultures, especially local food. Is it any wonder she chose a degree in Travel & Tourism?

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Meet Akanksha & Bhushan: Social Media Sensations Known for Debunking Viral Hacks

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Whatever you see on social media is not always true. To verify whether it works or not, popular blogger duo Akanksha and Bhushan regularly share hacks and tips on social media debunking or verifying popular trends and hacks. Their content typically includes practical advice, creative solutions, and humorous takes on various hacks.

How It Started

Akanksha and Bhushan met by chance at a food festival. Their shared love for food led to a blossoming friendship that eventually turned into a professional collaboration. Akanksha, with her culinary background, provides in-depth knowledge about various cuisines, ingredients, and techniques. Bhushan, a food photographer, brings each dish to life with his stunning visuals, thanks to his keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

Their combined expertise and shared passion have not only fueled their successful collaboration but also created content that resonates with a wide audience, making them influential figures in the realm of social media hacks and trends.

Viral Content and Massive Social Media Following

Akanksha and Bhushan keep their followers engaged with their constantly evolving content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube:

Facebook: Their profile, Think U Can, boasts 832K followers who tune in for their latest hack tests and tips.

Instagram: Their page, The Bhushan Show, has 281K followers. Here, they share short clips, reels, and updates on their latest findings.

YouTube: With 1.07 million subscribers, their YouTube channel features detailed explanations and results of the hacks they test.

Their videos often go viral thanks to their relatable content and honest reviews. Some of their most popular videos include testing bizarre beauty hacks, trying unusual DIY projects, and debunking widely shared myths.

What Makes Them Unique and Impactful

Unique Niche: Their focus on debunking and verifying hacks sets them apart from other influencers, leading to a steady increase in their follower count and engagement rates.

Engaging Content: Their entertaining approach has earned them a loyal following. Fans appreciate their honest reviews and the effort they put into testing each hack.

Trust of followers: Many fans check their videos before purchasing products. For example, in a recent video, they tested a pan that claimed to make rotis and dosa quickly. While the pan worked well for dosa, it failed with rotis.

In another video, they tried a viral floor-cleaning mop, which proved effective and was recommended to their followers.

Keep reading The Reelstars to discover more in the creator-verse!

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Telangana Tightens Reins on Digital Content Creators

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The arrest of Telugu YouTuber Praneeth Hanumanthu for creating and disseminating inappropriate content has ignited a firestorm of debate in Telangana around the regulation of online content. The incident served as a stark reminder of the potential for misuse of social media platforms.

Hanumanthu was first arrested for making inappropriate comments on video of a father and daughter. A few days after that, he now has a case filed against him for drug use under the NDPS Act. A drug test taken by him came back positive for marijuana use. While the police have submitted a petition for holding and further questioning him, he has issued an apology video.

Telangana Govt Responds

In response to the growing public outcry and the need to address the issue head-on, the Telangana State Commission for Women (TSCW) has issued comprehensive guidelines for digital content creators. These directives aim to strike a delicate balance between protecting freedom of expression and ensuring public safety and morality.

The Core of the Issue

The crux of the problem lies in the blurred lines between creative freedom and responsible content creation. While the Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, it also imposes reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, decency, and morality. The TSCW’s guidelines seek to clarify these boundaries.

Key Provisions of the Guidelines

  • Adherence to Law: Content creators must ensure their content aligns with Indian laws, particularly those related to women’s safety and dignity. Any violation of these laws will be met with strict legal action.
  • Respect for Public Sentiments: Content that promotes hatred, violence, or discrimination against any group or individual will not be tolerated. The guidelines emphasize the importance of upholding the social and secular fabric of the nation.
  • Accuracy and Truthfulness: The spread of misinformation and fake news is a major concern. Content creators must prioritize accuracy and avoid disseminating false information.
  • Responsible Influencer Conduct: Those with significant influence on social media platforms have a responsibility to use their power ethically. Promoting harmful stereotypes, body shaming, or unrealistic beauty standards is strictly prohibited.

Challenges and Implications

Implementing these guidelines will undoubtedly pose challenges. Defining the limits of free speech and determining appropriate penalties for violations will require careful consideration. Moreover, enforcing these regulations in the vast digital landscape will be a complex task.

However, the TSCW’s initiative is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more responsible online environment. It sends a clear message that the government is committed to protecting citizens from the harmful effects of unregulated digital content.

While the guidelines may face criticism from some quarters, they are a necessary response to the growing concerns about the misuse of social media. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative to have robust regulations in place to protect the interests of the public.

The potential impact on the digital content industry and the challenges of enforcement will be seen from hereon.

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Harsha Sai: Meet the Man With ‘Golden Heart’

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In a world that can often seem harsh, Harsha Sai stands out as a beacon of kindness and compassion. Known for his philanthropic efforts, he is particularly dedicated to supporting the poor and needy. Often referred to as India’s Mr Beast, Harsha Sai is a well-known YouTuber and content creator recognized for his socially impactful videos.

Philanthropic Efforts and Massive Social Media Influence

Harsha Sai frequently engages in activities such as distributing food, providing financial aid, and fulfilling specific needs for individuals in distress. His work not only provides immediate relief to those in need but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. Through his selfless actions, Harsha Sai has made a significant impact on society.

Harsha harnesses the power of social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram to inspire his audiences to contribute to these causes. With 15 million subscribers on YouTube and 13.6 million followers on Instagram, his influence is vast. His work mirrors the generosity and large-scale charitable initiatives of Mr Beast (Jimmy Donaldson), the famous American YouTuber known for his significant giveaways and humanitarian efforts.

Harsha Sai’s videos often go viral due to their emotional content and the sheer scale of his charitable acts. This virality amplifies his message and encourages his followers to participate in charitable activities, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

How It All Started

Harsha Sai gained YouTube popularity in 2019 while attending engineering school in Visakhapatnam. His Instagram posts flaunting his six-pack abs received significant attention, leading to multiple requests from college friends inquiring about his diet. This prompted him to start sharing health tips on TikTok and YouTube. By the time he graduated in 2020, Sai had amassed 900,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Financial Commitment to Charity

Harsha Sai has mentioned that he uses money from his YouTube ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and sometimes from diluting his stock portfolio to fund his charitable acts. His commitment to using his own resources for philanthropy underscores his dedication to making a positive impact.

Personal Background

Harsha was born in Telangana and holds a degree in Computer Science from GITAM University. He operates two YouTube channels: Harsha Sai – For You Telugu and Harsha Sai – For You Hindi. His educational background and diverse content have contributed to his wide-reaching influence.

Harsha Sai is a remarkable figure in the world of digital content creation, using his platform to spread hope and positivity. His dedication to helping the poor and needy, combined with his ability to engage and inspire his audience, makes him a significant force for good. As his influence continues to grow, Harsha Sai is definitely a name to watch in the realm of social media philanthropy.

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