Karishma Mehta, the brains behind the popular storytelling platform ‘Humans of Bombay’, is a name that resonates with millions of netizens across the globe. However, her journey to success has been anything but smooth. This article unravels the tale of her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, the controversies that surrounded her, and how she managed to rise above them all.
The Genesis of Humans of Bombay
In 2014, a 21-year-old Karishma Mehta found herself intrigued by the idea of using social media to narrate the unique yet untold stories of ordinary Mumbaikars. Inspired by the concept of ‘Humans of New York’, she initiated ‘Humans of Bombay‘, a photoblog that soon became a sensation.
The platform started as a Facebook page and gradually expanded to other digital outlets, gaining immense popularity. The stories posted on the platform covered a diverse range of subjects, capturing the essence of the city’s inhabitants – their dreams, struggles, victories, and everything in between.
In the words of Karishma herself, “The period was a high of its own to start something new.” As she continues to navigate her entrepreneurial journey, there’s no doubt that Karishma will continue to scale new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the world of storytelling.
In the words of Karishma herself, “The period was a high of its own to start something new.” As she continues to navigate her entrepreneurial journey, there’s no doubt that Karishma will continue to scale new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the world of storytelling.
Karishma Mehta: The Woman Behind the Idea
Born and raised in Mumbai, Karishma attended Bombay Scottish School in Mahim, followed by a stint at a boarding school in Bangalore. After completing her schooling, she pursued higher studies in the UK for three years.
Karishma’s journey into the world of storytelling was not a planned one. In an old video that recently surfaced online, she mentioned how the concept of ‘Humans of Bombay’ came to her “completely randomly and out of the blue”. This off-the-cuff idea eventually transformed into a platform that resonated with millions.
The Book: ‘Humans of Bombay’
To sustain the platform and fund her venture, Karishma decided to compile all the stories posted on the page, including some unpublished ones, into a book. Titled ‘Humans of Bombay’, the book was a mirror to the spirit of the city, a testament to the resilience of its people.
Branching Out: YouTube and Beyond
In 2022, Karishma expanded her storytelling horizons by launching a YouTube video series called “How The Hell Did I Do It?”. This series revolved around interviews with successful entrepreneurs and renowned personalities, providing insights into their journeys and achievements.
Tackling Controversies Head-On
Karishma’s journey was not without its fair share of controversies. She faced severe backlash online when ‘Humans of Bombay’ filed a lawsuit against another storytelling platform, ‘People of India’, for copyright infringement. Furthermore, the founder of ‘Humans of New York’ criticized ‘Humans of Bombay’ for allegedly copying their concept.
Despite the controversies and criticisms, Karishma continued her work with undeterred determination. She faced the trolls and criticisms head-on, standing firm in her belief in the platform and the stories it shared.
The Trolling Saga: Dealing with Social Media Backlash
The lawsuit against ‘People of India’ and the subsequent statement by the ‘Humans of New York’ founder sparked a wave of trolls and criticism against Karishma Mehta and ‘Humans of Bombay’. Critics accused her of promoting a toxic work environment and leveraging her privilege.
However, Karishma refused to be deterred by the negativity. She continued to focus on her work, committed to bringing unheard stories from the heart of Mumbai to a global audience.
Conclusion: Rising Above the Challenges
Irrespective of the challenges and controversies, Karishma Mehta remains a shining example of young entrepreneurship. Her journey with ‘Humans of Bombay’ highlights the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on society. Despite the trolls and criticisms, she continues to inspire and touch lives with her work, giving voice to the unsung heroes of Mumbai.
Indeed, Karishma Mehta’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. It serves as a reminder that success is not just about having a great idea, but also about the courage to execute it despite the challenges that come along the way.
FAQs
1. What is Karishma Mehta’s age?
She is 31 years old as of now.
2. Is Karishma Mehta married?
No, Karishma Mehta is not married.
3. Who is the CEO of Humans of Bombay?
Karishma Mehta is the CEO of Humans of Bombay.
