How does one become a celebrity manager in India and what goes behind it?
The world of celebrities often remains enigmatic to the general public, shrouded in a mystique that conceals the intricate web of management and coordination. A pivotal figure in this realm is the celebrity manager, a behind-the-scenes orchestrator who plays a crucial role in shaping and streamlining the lives of these notable individuals.
Celebrities, with their demanding schedules and multifaceted careers, heavily rely on their managers to handle an array of responsibilities. From meticulously managing their social media presence to organizing and coordinating events on their calendar, a celebrity manager serves as the linchpin in ensuring smooth operations in the fast-paced world of fame.
During my extensive cycling journey across India, I had the privilege of meeting Himanshu Yogi, a seasoned celebrity manager based in Pushkar. Our conversation shed light on the intrinsic demands of this profession. It became evident that excelling in this role requires a ‘get the job done’ mentality coupled with an extensive understanding of the local landscape and a vast network of contacts.
I learnt what truly sets a remarkable celebrity manager apart is their ability to foster and nurture relationships over time. Contacts and associations evolve and strengthen, paving the way to manage more prominent and influential celebrities. It’s a testament to the importance of trust, networking, and a deep understanding of the dynamics within the celebrity domain.
Instagram handle: https://instagram.com/himanshu_yogi2612?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg==
Is knowing the locals, the place, and being a recognized figure the requirements for a celebrity manager?
Himanshu Yogi, a 24-year-old, is the sole child of his parents. His father holds the exclusive plumbing license for the entire town of Pushkar. Whenever someone needed water lines set up for their property in Pushkar, it had to be done through an agreement facilitated by Himanshu’s father. Additionally, his father is the proprietor of a hotel named Shree Palace in Pushkar. Having completed his schooling in Pushkar, Himanshu was naturally a well-known figure in the town, further amplified by his father’s prominent roles.
Following his father’s belief in the security of education and government jobs, Himanshu pursued his DRT radiation course in Udaipur. His outgoing nature, coupled with being one of the few individuals with higher education in the region, provided him ample opportunities to connect with a diverse array of people within the town.
During his school years, a friend named Kadhim, residing in Ajmer and involved in guiding celebrities to the Ajmer Dargah, invited Himanshu to manage celebrities visiting Pushkar to see the Brahma Temple. This initial foray marked the inception of his journey into the realm of celebrity management.
How developing contacts is the game of a celebrity manager?
Himanshu adeptly expanded his network as he delved into the intricacies of the celebrity management domain. Establishing connections became second nature, as he fostered friendships with many residents in his vicinity. Engaging actively, he assumed roles in the Pushkar community, serving on the advisory panel of the hostel association and organizing events like the Pushkar Holi festival and the Pushkar camel fair festivals. These involvements granted him exclusive access to premier locales in Pushkar, enabling him to guide his celebrity clientele, arrange VIP darshans of the Brahma God, and secure comfortable hotel accommodations for them.
During the initial phase of celebrities visiting Pushkar, Himanshu liaised with their respective managers to propose comprehensive tours of the city. Understanding celebrities’ aversion to excessive security, he ensured they remained inconspicuous by donning masks, guiding them to public spaces with minimal visibility. As his network burgeoned, he increasingly found celebrities directly reaching out to him for personalized tours of Pushkar. Notably, he orchestrated and facilitated pivotal events, such as the marriage arrangement for Pranav, manager of renowned vlogger Saurav Joshi, with his girlfriend Mansi at a Pushkar resort. These experiences propelled Himanshu into managing the tours of various esteemed celebrities, including Bhuvan Bam, Round2hell, Sapna Choudhary, Kd Desirock, Elvish Yadav, Fazilpuria, and Shri Hariharan, among others.
Life of an individual who pursues a job as a celebrity manager?
Himanshu candidly shared that despite the allure of celebrity management for tours, it’s not a job that guarantees stability. Recognizing this, his father, guided by a traditional outlook, encouraged Himanshu to pursue education and seek a secure government position. Given his family’s conservative values, Himanshu acknowledged the need to honor their wishes. Having successfully completed a radiation course, he now feels compelled to explore opportunities as a radiographer in the government sector. Intrigued by Himanshu’s journey and mindset, I delved deeper by posing personal inquiries to understand his perspective better.
Justifications
When questioned about managing celebrity tours despite his father’s disinterest, Himanshu revealed his enjoyment in establishing connections with Bollywood celebrities and experiencing their lifestyle, which brought him a sense of happiness.
Validations
In response to inquiries about whose validations matter most to him, Himanshu emphasized that he is motivated by his own desires. He mentioned the challenges of meeting Indian parents’ expectations and emphasized the importance of doing what makes him happy.
Complaints
Reflecting on his life in Pushkar, Himanshu expressed gratitude, citing few complaints. However, he acknowledged the potential concern of being pressured to pursue a government job, which could be seen as a challenge.
Materialism
When asked about his response to receiving a substantial sum of money, Himanshu playfully mentioned being like Pablo Escobar, hinting at an inclination towards a lavish lifestyle. Later, he jokingly considered traveling the world but conveyed an underlying instinct for a glamorous, celebrity-oriented life.
Himanshu stood out as a unique personality during my travels, with a distinctive perspective on a lavish lifestyle. While many seek comfort, few share a keen interest in opulence. For more captivating articles, visit the homepage and subscribe to my newsletters.
I am a 31 year young PhD graduate who has decided to travel the length and breadth of India on my cycle, to document the journey of meeting a vast array of people. In my journey, I intend to understand the characteristic features of the people of this nation and categorize them based on their demographics, age, profession, gender, traditions, and cultural differences.