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KSI on Returning To YouTube And Filming in India with Aamir Khan: 'This is My Second Home'
The YouTuber discusses returning to his roots, improving his Bollywood knowledge and giving back to his fans in India.
British YouTube sensation Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, more famously referred to as KSI, is on a mission to take over YouTube in 2026. With over 100 million followers across YouTube and other social media platforms, from boxing to music, KSI has done it all. He flew into India along with his brother Deji Olatunji, also known as Comedy Shorts Gamer, as well as his production crew with one major goal: to record as much content as physically possible.
In the past two days, they have shot a 'Guess the cricketer' video with India men's cricket team's ODI and Test team captain, Shubman Gill, a 'Guess the Bollywood actor' video with Aamir Khan and Vir Das, two 'Try Not To Laugh' videos with Samay Raina, Tanmay Bhatt, Ajey Nagar a.k.a CarryMinati, and Abhishek Malhan a.k.a Fukra Insaan, in addition to Reels and shorts.
Ahead of his fan meet in Delhi, on January 10, he speaks to The Hollywood Reporter India about why he wants to focus on YouTube, taking movie suggestions from Aamir Khan, and more.
Excerpts from a conversation:
You started your YouTube journey in 2008 with JideJunior, in 2009 you created KSI Olajidebt, 2013 was the year that the Sidemen came together. You have since had successful careers as a YouTuber, rapper, boxer, TV personality, businessman and more. We are now in 2026 and you’ve taken the decision to come back to your roots and “go ham with YouTube.” Why is now the right time for you to focus on YouTube?
After the Tommy Fury loss in my last boxing match, I was quite lost in general. It took a while for me to get over that. I even tried to get back into boxing but my heart wasn't really in it. With anything I do, my heart has to be in it 100 per cent. I wasn't enjoying the training either and it got to a point where I had to ask myself, "What do I enjoy?" and I realised that the last time I fully focused on YouTube was probably up until 2017 or 2018. After that I got busy with the music, boxing and more. I realised that it was time for me to put all my focus on YouTube because it's what I love. I don't see it as work; I see it as fun. The enjoyment of making great content is unparalleled and seeing people's reactions to the videos brings me the most joy. That's why I had to come back to YouTube.
What brings you to India?
It's one of my biggest audiences. I feel like I have to give back whenever I can. I always have a good time here. It's my third time now and I love it. It's like my second home. I've come here more times than I've been to Nigeria but I'm working on going there more often. But yeah, I just love India and I'll keep coming back whenever I can.
There is an old video of you reacting to Shah Rukh Khan, back then you weren’t necessarily aware of who that was. You’ve now shot a video titled 'Guess the Bollywood actor'. What has your relationship with Indian cinema been like?
Growing up my parents showed me Nollywood (Nigerian film industry) films. When it comes to Bollywood, I definitely need to improve my knowledge, it's not really up to par. But I'm always open to watching more Bollywood films. I already have a huge list of things that I need to watch. Aamir Khan, who we shot a video with, suggested that I watch Lagaan. I can't wait to watch that because I think it's sick that I get to get movie recommendations from an absolute legend like Aamir. I'm an open book so I'm open to learning and improving my Bollywood knowledge.
Could we ever see you in an Indian film... If yes, what’s on the wish list?
You never know. I've been in one movie called Laid in America which... wasn't great. But you never know. My focus right now is purely YouTube. I want to stop the distractions and make the best content with the best people and have a great time entertaining the masses.