Lifestyle
Speak Like A Native With Odisha’s Eng-fluencer Dhiraj Takri
Forget expensive language courses and dry textbooks. Dhiraj Takri, a 22-year-old from a small village in Odisha, is changing the game of learning English with his bite-sized lessons and infectious Desi charm. With a dash of humor, a sprinkle of memes, and a whole lot of “speaking fast,” Takri has amassed over 1.1 million followers on Instagram, proving that the journey from small-town boy to social media star can be paved with quirky English hacks. Also, he remarkably managed to reach that number in only 44 days!
Takri’s journey is an inspirational tale of a small-town boy making it big on the digital stage. This young man from the quaint village of Chitrakote in Odisha, once struggled with fluency in English. He even failed his 12th board exams. But his desire to speak like a Westerner, particularly with the fast-paced American accent, led him to YouTube. There, he embarked on a learning odyssey that would pave the path to social media fame.
Takri’s rise to Instagram stardom wasn’t an overnight success story. Until December 2023, he had a modest following of just 160. Then, the tides turned with his 66th video. In this clip, he offered a simplified trick for pronouncing “handsome” the Western way – by silencing the “d.” This video went viral, catapulting him to recognition.
But Takri’s secret weapon wasn’t just his knowledge. He understood the art of engagement. His videos are cleverly edited, infused with memes and quirky lines that keep viewers glued.
Takri knows exactly how to go viral; the numbers don’t lie! His “It will be” pronunciation video for instance, has 27.7M views!
Today, Takri boasts over 1.1 million followers, a testament to his transformation into a respected linguistic mentor. His story exemplifies a growing trend – the rise of regional Indian creators taking center stage on Instagram. Armed with smartphones and a deep understanding of their subjects, these influencers are changing the social media landscape. From agriculture and daily life to cultural insights and social commentary, they offer a fresh perspective on India, a perspective that’s resonating with the nation.
Takri’s journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring creators in small towns across India. It’s a story that proves that with dedication, creativity, and the power of the internet, anyone can find their voice and build a massive audience.