It’s not every day that you meet someone who effortlessly blends charm, courage, and candour. We had the immense pleasure of inviting Surbhi Choudhary Manocha to The Diffr Show, and what followed was one of the most honest, relatable, and insightful conversations about life as a digital creator in India.
In a time when the influencer culture in India 2025 is at its peak, this episode is a breath of fresh air, an unfiltered discussion on mental health in the creator economy, building a personal brand, and surviving the unseen pressures of digital fame. If you’re someone chasing a career in content creation, or simply curious about the lives behind those perfectly curated reels, this one’s for you.
One of the most impactful discussions from the episode was about how social media presents a glamorous illusion while concealing the real struggles creators face behind the scenes. Surbhi spoke openly about the pressure of staying relevant on Instagram, the constant need for validation, and how the algorithm often dictates the mental state of digital creators.
She emphasized how, even though followers see fashion reels and viral brand collaborations, what often goes unnoticed is the stress, sleepless nights, and creative blocks that accompany the job. In a world obsessed with likes and reach, her raw honesty reminded us that mental health deserves as much attention as follower count.
In what turned out to be one of the most moving parts of the episode, Surbhi shared her battle with self-doubt and anxiety during the early days of her career. She opened up about the isolation of being a female entrepreneur in the digital space, dealing with online trolling, and the emotional fatigue of always trying to please an audience. She said that prioritize mental health, learn to unplug when needed, and, most importantly, surround yourself with people who see your worth beyond the screen.This discussion couldn’t be more relevant in 2025, as conversations around mental wellness for influencers are slowly but surely taking center stage.
For aspiring creators eyeing those shiny brand deals, Surbhi pulled the curtain back on what those collaborations look like. From negotiating fair pricing to standing your ground when a brand’s brief clashes with your authenticity, it’s a lot more complicated than it seems.
She shared real, practical insights about working with over 300+ brands, explaining how influencer marketing in India has evolved, and why creators need to be selective to preserve the trust they’ve built with their audience.
Another important message Surbhi emphasized was how the idea of overnight success on Instagram is largely a myth. She highlighted the years of unpaid collaborations, reels that flopped, and creative experiments that didn’t land before finally finding her niche and voice.
This conversation is a much-needed reminder that while the influencer industry in India is booming, genuine, sustainable growth is built over time with patience, persistence, and resilience.
One of the most heartwarming parts of the episode was Surbhi’s call to action for women creators. She passionately spoke about the lack of safe, empowering spaces for women in the creator economy and how important it is for female influencers to uplift each other rather than compete.
She expressed her hope to see more women owning their narratives, embracing their flaws, and creating without fear of judgment a message that resonates in today’s hyper-competitive digital ecosystem.
This episode is a masterclass on the lesser-known side of India’s creator economy. It’s an honest, deeply human conversation about what it really means to build a personal brand, survive in a metrics-obsessed world, and still hold onto your mental peace.
If you’re a content creator, a startup founder, a digital marketing enthusiast, or someone curious about women entrepreneurship in India, this podcast is packed with lessons you don’t want to miss. Watch the full episode and discover the real story behind Surbhi Choudhary Manocha’s journey because what you see on screen is just a fraction of the life behind it.