Aamnah Farooq

Social media has transformed ordinary people into global icons. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given rise to a new generation of digital influencers who shape trends, opinions, and youth culture. Faisal Shaikh, Awez Darbar, Arshifa Khan, Riyaz Ali, and Jannat Zubair are prime examples of this digital revolution in India.

Faisal Shaikh

Faisal Shaikh, better known as Mr Faisu, is a social media personality specialising in beauty, fitness, and entertainment. He is very active on Instagram, where he has 33,000 followers. Faisal has collaborated with major brands, including Coca-Cola, Gillette, OnePlus, and Spykar. His real name is Faisal Shaikh, and he is 28 years old.

He initially gained fame on TikTok and later found tremendous success on Instagram. His content is especially popular with younger audiences because it's simple, fun, and easy to understand. Faisal also uses his platform to address important social issues like cyberbullying and mental health.

Faisal Shaikh's journey from earning just ₹50 a day to becoming a successful influencer, entrepreneur, and reality TV star is truly inspiring. Before his fame, he worked in his father's small business, which required hard work and low earnings. To support his family, he took up a job as a salesman on Linking Road at the age of 21. He recalled working nine hours a day in the sun for ₹50, trying to attract customers to buy clothes. Today, he owns a luxurious home, expensive cars, and a powerful personal brand.

Awez Darbar

Awez Darbar is a well-known Indian dancer, choreographer, and social media influencer. He is very active on Instagram and has 30.6 million followers. Awez has worked with brands such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Pepsi. He is best known for his energetic and creative dance videos, which often go viral. He has also choreographed for several Bollywood films and music videos.

Awaz gained immense popularity through TikTok, where his dance and lip-sync content attracted millions of fans worldwide. Even after TikTok was banned in India, he successfully continued his journey on Instagram Reels and YouTube, maintaining a strong digital presence. He is also the founder of Atrangz Studio, a creative hub for dance content and entertainment collaborations.

Born on March 16, 1993, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Awaz comes from a well-known musical family. Growing up in a creative environment fostered a passion for dance from an early age. He began his career as a dance choreographer and instructor in Mumbai. His unique choreography style, fun skits, and collaborative videos made him one of the most followed creators on TikTok before the ban.

After migrating to Instagram and YouTube, Awez continued to entertain his audience. He launched his YouTube channel in 2014, where he shares dance covers, choreography videos, and collaborations with Bollywood stars. He has worked with celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Sara Ali Khan, Kartik Aaryan, and Urvashi Rautela. Today, Awez Darbar is considered one of India's most successful digital dancers and choreographers, bridging the gap between Bollywood and digital entertainment.

Arifa Khan

Arifa Khan is a lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment personality. She is very popular on Instagram with 30,000 followers. She also runs her own makeup brand, Missy Me Cosmetics. Arifa Khan began her career as a child artist on television, which led to her initial recognition and later success on social media. She is also active on YouTube, where she showcases her acting skills and creativity.

Born in India in 2003, Arifa Khan completed her early education in her hometown. After completing her graduation, her interest in acting grew stronger, and after entering the glamour industry, she continued to work in showbiz.

Riyaz Aly

Riyaz Aly is a style and entertainment personality and is active on Instagram with 27.3 million followers. He has collaborated with brands like Razz, Nissin Cup Noodles and Jio Cinema. Riyaz gained popularity through lip-sync videos on TikTok and later successfully transitioned his audience to Instagram. He regularly shares content related to fashion, music, and daily life, which is very popular with a young audience.

Riyaz Aly's real name is Riyaz Afreen. His elder sister also makes TikTok videos. He achieved immense fame through TikTok and has enjoyed strong fan support throughout his journey. He posts romantic, cute, and entertaining videos that his followers love. Riyaz was born in Bhutan and completed his schooling there.

He had over 27.5M followers on TikTok and has also appeared in several YouTube videos. While his exact net worth is difficult to estimate, reports suggest he earns around ₹100,000 per sponsored post.

Jannat Zubair

Jannat Zubair's business model is based on combining traditional brand endorsements with modern digital income streams. This strategy has brought her not only financial success but also global recognition. By 2025, her Instagram followers exceeded 40M. Her posts receive an engagement rate of 8 to 10 percent, which is very valuable for brands and demonstrates strong audience trust.

Jannat Zubair Rahmani began her career as a child television actress and is now one of India's leading digital influencers. Her charming personality, strong fashion sense, and relatable content have inspired millions. She was born in Mumbai in 2001. She gained initial fame through television shows and later embraced social media to connect directly with her fans.

ALSO READ: Dipu Chandra Dar lynching against Islamic teachings: Haryana Muslim leaders

These digital influencers showcase the changing face of fame in India. Their journeys demonstrate how talent, consistency, and adaptability can turn challenges into opportunities. From humble beginnings to global recognition, they continue to inspire millions and redefine success in the digital age.