From Hiding Videos to Winning Hearts: Small-Town Boy Swapnil’s Journey to Internet Fame
- byPranay Jain
- 02 Jun, 2025

What started as a quiet passion in a modest household filled with a love for cinema has now turned into a digital success story. This is the journey of Swapnil Pandey, a small-town boy from Sangam, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), who once made videos in secret, fearing his parents' reaction—only to become a content creator admired by millions today.
A Childhood Spark Ignited by Doordarshan
Growing up in a home where Doordarshan was a staple and films were a family favorite, Swapnil’s fascination with the world of storytelling began early. But he didn’t dream of becoming a content creator at first. In fact, like many in small towns, he had never even heard of it. It wasn’t until he discovered Bhuvan Bam's BB Ki Vines and other global creators that he realized this could be more than just a hobby—it could be his path.
Making Videos in Secret—and Getting Caught
Swapnil recalls how tough it was to begin. “Starting something new in a small town is not easy,” he told TV9 Bharatvarsh. Out of fear, he started filming secretly. And yes, he even got caught and scolded multiple times. “People don't take your dreams seriously at first,” he said. Quoting Zakir Khan, he added, “Parents aren’t against your dreams—they just don’t want to see you poor.”
From Resistance to Recognition
Initially, even his family didn’t support the idea of a career in videos. So, Swapnil played it safe—pursuing engineering as a backup—while never letting go of his real dream. Although small-town limitations slowed him down, he also found support from local friends, some of whom helped shoot his content.
Today, Swapnil’s persistence has paid off. His Instagram (@badass_rp_01) now boasts over 4 lakh followers, and his videos are known for mixing humor with social messages—often packed into a few impactful seconds.
Now a Full-Time Creator—Next Stop: Feature Film
Swapnil is now a full-time content creator and has earned not just popularity but respect. “Some people who once ignored me now come forward to talk,” he says. And he’s not stopping here. Swapnil has already written the script for his first feature film—a dream he’s steadily working to bring to life.