As a part of the nationwide campaign #ZorSeTalentAaya by content creators The Viral Fever to promote their upcoming web series The Viral Stars, city-based social media influencer Martina Thariyan visited various colleges across Pune encouraging students to showcase their talents. Sporting a back-to-college look with a loose sweatshirt and hair made up in a high bun, she visited MIT-SOM College, Kothrud, where we caught up with the reality show star. “I’ve worked on events outside Pune but I am glad working in my hometown where I get to visit the colleges and interact with the students. It feels like I am back home. It is fun connecting with the college kids,” she says. We chat her up about scouting young talent, the upcoming show and more.
- Tell us about Viral Stars.
It will provide an amazing platform for students who are looking forward to showcasing their exceptional talent, to gain recognition. They are usually so caught up with academics that they don’t really get a chance to be what they want to be.
- While visiting colleges across the city, did you notice any impressive factors about the youth?
I am quite surprised by the youngsters. You tend to underestimate engineers or management students as they are always portrayed to be studious. But some of them were so creative and talented that I was left inspired. The scenario is very different than I had anticipated. The overall enthusiasm among the students impressed me a lot. I am really glad to get the opportunity to witness such talent first hand.
- After Splitsvilla, are you looking forward to doing another reality show?
I think I am done with my share of reality shows. Everybody is asking me about Bigg Boss, but that I feel is one step higher and I’ve had my dose of reality TV. I am looking forward to more work where I get a chance to interact and connect with the youth.
- You’re a model who is now judging modelling shows. How is the experience of being on the other side?
It’s fun. But it is also nerve wracking for me because I know how it feels to be on the other side. I generally take it as an advantage and try to motivate the upcoming models by telling them, “You can definitely come to this side soon, so stay calm.”
- There’s a lot of buzz about you on social media. How do you manage all the controversies?
I believe that controversies are bound to happen, people will talk about you. I keep my conscience clear and don’t like to disturb myself just because of someone’s statements. I am totally clear about the right and wrong things I have done so far.
Of course, all this does take a toll on you because there is no such thing as privacy when you are on social media. But I take a backseat when it comes to all this to avoid getting affected. Over a period of time, you learn to remain calm and composed and not let all this bother you.
- What Instagram tip would you like to share with your followers?
Nowadays, people are more involved in pretending, but I strongly believe in keeping things realistic.
My tip for everyone on Instagram is to keep your feed as real as possible. Nobody shows their flaws on social media but I request people to keep their posts natural, and this is applicable to me as well.
