As part of an ongoing series, Branding in Asia talks to influencers across the globe, learning more about how they got started, what has driven their success, and other insights to inform both brands and agencies as well as aspiring influencers.
This week we feature Jannat Zubair Rahmani, a 21-year-old actress and influencer based in Mumbai with nearly 49 million followers across Instagram & YouTube. Jannat, who acts in TV shows and films, got her acting break in 2011, and first started posting on social media back in 2015.
She said her fans were the main inspiration for becoming an influencer. “I want to share everything that happens in my life with them, whether it be a casual day at home or a hectic day at a shoot,” adding that “for this reason, I take my role as an influencer very seriously.”
The Basics
Name: Jannat Zubair Rahmani
Age: 21
Hometown: Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Current Location: Mumbai
Platforms You Work & Number of Followers: Instagram & YouTube with a combined following of – 48.8 million
Date of your first post: 4th September 2015
Some brands you’ve worked with: Hotstar, Maruti Suzuki, Vivo, Moj, Flipkart, and many more
Agency Representation: INCA GroupM
What were you doing before you became an influencer?
I started my journey in the entertainment industry as an actress from a very young age, after which I chose to become an influencer. An on-screen role from my first acting gig led to more television parts and characters. I used to spend a lot of time shooting, but I never neglected my studies. I somehow managed to balance performing, school, family, and friends!
It made me so delighted over the years when my fans would approach me and express their affection for me and the roles I played! Their gratitude and love encouraged me to strive harder and kept me striving to do my best – all for them. And when I was given the option to become an influencer, I jumped at it since it allowed me to engage with my audience and followers, and I hope to communicate with many more people in the future.
What inspired you to pursue it as a career?
My fans! Honestly, my fans are what inspired me to become an influencer. I want to share everything that happens in my life with them, whether it be a casual day at home or a hectic day at a shoot. As much as I can, I want to share my life with them and include them in it. And for this reason, I take my role as an influencer very seriously.
As you were building a following, was there a particular post or posts you felt pushed you to the next level?
There isn’t a specific post that I use as a reference; instead, I think back to my last post. I strive to go beyond that standard and produce content that my audience will appreciate while also thinking of new and innovative ways to produce content.
View this post on Instagram
What do you love most about being an influencer?
Being an influencer allows me to connect easily, freely, and openly on social media, which is the one aspect of the job I love the most. Every time I post something, the audience reacts, and I quickly learn whether they like it or not. Additionally, I can interact with my audience and communicate my feelings to them through my content.
“If the content is authentic, positive and one that resonates with the audience, they will likely carry the essence and message of the content in their lives.”
I frequently get the opportunity to interact with my audience, but I also have numerous opportunities to meet new, innovative people and brands with whom I may work with and make a difference in the world.
What do you like the least?
Every part of the world has both positive and negative characteristics. It’s no different in the realm of social media and influencers. Being an influencer allows me to routinely communicate with my audience, but it also brings with it a distinct set of perspectives, some of which might be unfavorable.
Criticism is always accepted since it helps me become a better personality, person, and influencer. It also helps me to hone my skills and abilities as an influencer.
Image via Inca GroupM
How do you decide which brands to partner with, and how do you ensure that sponsored content resonates with your followers?
The brands I choose to partner with are based mainly on the understanding of what my audience appreciates and understands, as well as how the collaboration can produce content that is as authentic as possible. It’s critical to collaborate with brands who have a purpose and wish to make the world a better place in little or large ways.
View this post on Instagram
If the content is authentic, positive and one that resonates with the audience, they will likely carry the essence and message of the content in their lives, and now, with INCA, as my agency representation, we hope to have a fantastic relationship with the brands moving forward.
What inspires you to consistently create new content?
There is a vast number of influencers who are creating content daily! So much content, of all sorts and genres, is available on the internet today that just by watching it, one can get all the inspiration one can need. People are sharing their lives in new, innovative, and creative ways that after scrolling on social media for a short while, it inspires you instantly!
Any tips do you have for someone who wants to become an influencer?
The only tip that I can share and what I keep in mind is to strike a balance between what your audience will resonate with and what resonates with you. Be authentic, be as open and honest as you can be and simply enjoy the creative process!
