In the midst of our conversation around his foray into the music industry, Ashish Vidyarthi showcases the skills he employs as a storyteller to woo his audience during his stand-up comedy acts. “At social gatherings, when you ask someone to sing, they always say, ‘Mera gala kharab hai.’ And I’d complain that nobody asks me to sing. I’m the one who will raise my hand and say, while she clears her throat, let me sing,” he says in an attempt to highlight his long-held desire to regale an audience.

For the generation that grew up with an appetite for films that were released in the 1990s and 2000s, Vidyarthi is best remembered as the baddie who made movies memorable with his mean streak. In the last few years, however, the distinct hats that he has donned have compelled individuals across generations to pay heed to his words. While his food and travel vlogs resonate with a select set of viewers, his work as a stand-up comedian has been the subject of social media chatter. However, it is his role as a motivational speaker that led him to create his first solo single, Sukoon hai, a number inspired by his journey.