Kareema Barry Believes Content Creators Are Shifting The Notion Of Stardom

Kareema Barry’s content is the kind that will make you embarrassingly snort-laugh in public and then cover it up as cough. With her clever humour, spot-on mimicry, and the ability to turn a mundane situation into comedy gold, she has mastered the art of entertainment. The creator recently acted in a short film titled Mud Ke Naa Dekh- BFF's Breakup Revenge, produced by Terribly Tiny Tales. Starring Barry as Rekha and Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal as Nandini, the film is all about the depth and intricacies of female friendships.

"The message of the film is that friendship is always there even when romantic love is not," Barry shared in an interview with SheThePeople. "People think female friendships are frivolous, but they have helped me in every way, be it financial advice, work, grief, how to behave in a certain situation, etc. I always call up women first."

It was these friends and supporters that helped Barry find her wings when she moved from the culturally rich Kolkata to the creative and bustling Mumbai. In the competitive and ever-evolving entertainment industry, she found herself both challenged and artistically nourished. "I've been very lucky; angels have come my way since moving to Mumbai."

"My relationship with this city started as a hookup, then became a situationship, and now I think we are finally monogamous," Barry quipped. "We're not married yet, but we're in a full relationship, and I'm still learning along the way."

"It was very different from Kolkata. Mumbai is very fast-paced and chaotic," Barry said. "Living alone in Mumbai has been very freeing. Because in the entertainment industry, as you know, it's a lot of people, you're constantly [networking]. Then you come back home and you get that kind of peace of mind. So, I have finally found a balance."

Evolution Of Stardom In Digital Age

Today, the line between content creators and actors is getting increasingly fluid, with many digital stars proving that short-form content isn’t just about 30-second dances or quick laughs- it’s a stepping stone to larger storytelling opportunities. Social media has become a business card for those aspiring to make their mark in the entertainment world.

Kareema Barry shared her take on the confluence of traditional entertainment and social media. "It's really cool that content creators are being considered to act... Although acting on your phone is different from acting on a bigger screen with a camera crew around you, at the base level, you're all artists trying to express something and tell a story."

"I think a lot of people underestimate content creators and think that what they're doing is not serious enough. But the entertainment industry is changing. Maybe somebody saw my post that cracked them up, so they recommended me, and it became like a butterfly effect. The industry is becoming more and more accessible, like people from wherever in the world can get recruited for something big."

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On Being A Comedy Creator

Through this interview, it was clear that for Kareema Barry, comedy is second nature. Her ever-witty perspective and sharp observational humour set her apart in the digital space. However, the craft of delivering the perfect punchline comes with a deep understanding of human behaviour, culture, and the universal need for laughter. 

Barry shared, "My creative process is usually observation first. I love people, I love watching them. I could just be a fly on the wall or question people and get something out of them. Then, I compartmentalise that thought, like what trope do they fit in? And then I think of their behaviours, what they would say, etc. That's how I make a character."

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Barry believes that comedy is more than just a way to make people laugh; It can create a deeper impact. "Humour is a nice way of sending a message. It penetrates people's minds because it's more approachable. Social commentary is always something unique to me. I think all comics are trying to complete a story or tell a message."

Handling Criticism & Pressures 

We've all heard the tired stereotype that "women aren't funny," a notion that continues to linger despite the undeniable success of countless female comedians and creators. Kareema Barry acknowledges that the comedy industry can be challenging for female artists, with double standards and backlash for being outspoken or edgy.

Beyond negative criticism, Barry also spoke about her struggle with self-criticism and creative blocks. "I'm the most 'imposter syndrome human being' you will ever meet... Because you're constantly seeing competition; though in content creation, I don't think there's competition because you are going to be celebrated for who you are and nothing else. The pressure comes from having so much access to the world and being perceived constantly. But I just call up a friend or my therapist, or talk to myself in the mirror. There's many quirky ways of dealing with it."

Through her exciting journey as an entertainer, Kareema Barry has not only honed her craft but also learned invaluable lessons about self-acceptance. Sharing a message for her younger self, she said, "Feel everything, don't run away from things. If you want to be creative, you will have to feel emotions and own your experiences."