Pujneet Singh tells all about balancing blog with a day job

Working at an IT firm during the weekdays and following his passion with Bhooka Saand ensure Pujneet Singh has a full plate at all times.

Pujneet Singh started Bhooka Saand as a means to have an outlet where he could follow his passion and do something he loved. Picking his phone, he went about to create vlogs and uploading them on YouTube. Eventually, he extended presence on other social media platforms.

Looking back, where did it all begin? 

Sitting in an IT firm can buzz your mind with a number of ideas. So, one day the euphoria of being a Youtuber captured my attention. I determined myself that from Monday to Friday I will work in the IT firm as the IT head for the kitchen and in the weekends Saturday and Sunday I will work for my soul. So the very next Sunday while roaming in the streets of Shahdara, Delhi I captured the delicious street foods decocted there with the help of my smartphone and it thus became my first ever Vlog on Youtube channel Bhooka Saand.

What's in the name? 

Bhooka Saand — I want something catchy, easy to remember. Here Bhooka stands for hungry for success and Saand represents power and stamina. Saand also represents food connection in Indian culture like “Saand Jaise Khata rehta hai” and “Kha Kha ke sand ho jayega" so whosoever eats a lot, people calls him Saand in our society. 

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

My content always focuses on discovering the pearls that are hidden deep down the ocean. I always in search of fresh interesting content which NO other channel have shown before. I create content to help foodies who like trying new food places and small food vendors who can’t afford or have the knowledge to spend good money in promoting their business. 

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I do a lot of research for my YouTube channel Bhooka Saand before covering any food outlet. In some cases, I go and try out the food first before shoot day too. Many times I have dropped posting food review video on my YouTube channel due to below-average experience. I always want to share the best content with my viewers and that why they love me for my efforts and unbiased reviews.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

When I started money was never in mind but by god grace, I started making money from YouTube ads from the second video. YouTube creator can make handsome amount from and not limited to youtube ads, brand collab, restaurant promotion and mobile app content creation.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

Bhooka Saand YouTube channel has strong kids viewership so I refused to work with many alcohol and poker brands in the past. I prefer to work with brands which have a positive impact on society. I would prefer promoting a jobs search app for less amount rather any poker game for a handsome amount. 

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Many instances like, for example when at an early stage of my YouTube, I had masked my face to my viewers who demanded me to disclose my face. Viewers visited food outlet to get to know about my looks and contact from the owner. Kids who like the way I say ‘hello hello video dekhne walo' so much that they even mimic me and send me their recordings.

I felt great when TV star and minister Smriti Irani and Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor started following me on Instagram. Last year, I was inducted as a Speaker/Panelist in YouTube fanfest which is a dream of any YouTuber.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

I am Sikh and one Vape company contacted me to promote their product. 

If not blogging, you would be?

I am a working professional and food blogging is my hobby. If not blogging, I would be a fitness freak.  

Also Read: Want designers globally to create clothes in all sizes: Aashna Bhagwani

A day in your life...

Blogging made me a workaholic. The first thing I do is checking my office email and accordingly, I plan my workday. After that, I reply to YouTube and social media comments & messages before leaving for the office. I remain very busy on weekdays due to the office and other housework and don’t get much time for blogging and social media.

During weekdays I work late night on my video editing and social media posts. On weekdays I think I work a minimum of around 18-19 hours. These are the day when I get to sleep for a long time, complete my personal tasks as well as shoot videos.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Follow your passion. Don’t copy anyone. Create/find/post fresh content. Try to be as unique as possible. Don’t go for shortcuts like buying likes, views and subscribers. Don’t think about money first, the money will follow for sure if you post good content.

Your Favorite Influencer

The Rock (WWE) & Diljit Dosanjh (Punjabi singer). I simply love their energy. They are so humble and hardworking despite so successful and popular. 

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

To be the biggest and most trustworthy food influencer or open a food chain restaurant.