British internet sensation, musician, and boxer KSI has landed in India, diving headfirst into the vibrant chaos of Mumbai with a quintessentially desi flair. The popular content creator, whose real name is Olajide Williams Olatunji, is on a nearly week-long tour of the country, with plans to explore both Mumbai and Delhi before his departure on January 12.
Mumbai Adventures: From Vada Pav to Cutting Chai
KSI wasted no time immersing himself in local experiences upon his arrival. He was seen enthusiastically trying his hand at making the beloved Mumbai street food, vada pav, and even attempted the iconic high-pour of cutting chai from a piping-hot kettle. He also tried making cutlets, fully embracing the culinary spirit of the city.
Sharing his excitement about the local flavours, KSI said, "I am always a fan of experiencing new cultures. Getting introduced to vada pav was fun. It's something I definitely want to munch on." He admitted to struggling with spice but expressed a desire to challenge himself, adding, "I hear pani puri is a banger."
This marks the third visit to India for the star, who also serves as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. He emphasized the importance of physical presence, stating, "The best way to connect with audiences from different countries is to actually visit the country... if you're never in the country, your words won't hold any weight."
Content Creation and Celebrity Collaborations
The primary purpose of KSI's visit is content creation. He is currently filming for 'Try Not To Laugh IRL – India Edition', a series that will feature collaborations with popular Indian digital creators. He stated his goal is to "make some entertaining content as well as collaborate with some of the top Indian creators."
His collaborations aren't limited to the digital world. During his Mumbai schedule, KSI shot with Indian cricketer Shubman Gill in the suburbs. Speaking highly of the batter, KSI remarked, "When it comes to cricket he is one of the best. I have seen him play and hit sixes. He is one of a kind and I have made a good friend for life."
Bollywood Aspirations and Watchlist
Naturally, conversation turned to Bollywood. KSI expressed a clear admiration for one of its biggest stars, saying, "I would love to meet Shah Rukh Khan. I am inspired by how hard working he is as an actor and it would be an honour to meet him one day."
While he confessed to not having watched a full Hindi film yet due to a busy schedule, he is no stranger to the industry's content. "I've seen loads of Bollywood stuff... mostly through clips, edits, and shorts popping up online. I've even reacted to a few. The action, the drama, the energy… it goes hard," he shared.
He already has a watchlist ready, fueled by recommendations from friends and his team. He mentioned being intrigued by the series 'B****ds of Bollywood' and actor Ranveer Singh's project 'Dhurandhar', describing both as looking "wild."
Calling India his "second home," KSI aims to create memorable on-stage content with his Indian fans and his brother Deji during this trip. After soaking in the excitement of Mumbai, he is looking forward to exploring the capital, Delhi, next.