K-Interview: SUPAARWOMAN

Smiti Iyer, Delhi

Supriya Joshi, also known as Supaarwoman is a writer and a stand-up comedian who has made her contributions to various web series featured on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. She has also written multiple sketches for the comedy collective ‘AIB’, and is also a huge K-Pop/drama fan. She has also contributed to campaign(s) for many brands, one of them being Spotify. Besides these, she is also a beauty and makeup enthusiast. We are pleased to welcome Supaarwoman for her interview with Hallyuism India as we know more about her journey and her discovery of Hallyu!

First of all, We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for interviewing with us. Request you to introduce yourself to our Hallyuism’s audience.

Annyeonghaseyo Yeorobun. My name is Supriya Joshi, I am a comedian and screenwriter from Mumbai. I post videos on my Instagram under the username – supaarwoman. I love K-Pop, K-Dramas, and K-Beauty!

What is the reason behind keeping the name or how did you come up with the name ‘Supaarwoman’?

I wish there was a deeper or more interesting meaning behind my name, but supaar is literally my pet name. My friends call me supaar, I needed a username for my Twitter back in 2008 and that’s how supaarwoman was born.

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We have seen you feature in many popular shows such as Comicstaan and Ladies Up, on popular OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. You have also worked on the famous comedian series i.e. AIB. Are there any upcoming projects that you are working on currently or any future projects that you have planned so far?

I am currently working on my special – I’m Over It!?, which is based on a very unbelievable situationship I was in. I am also working on a few writing projects, but I am mostly focused on stand-up at this point.

In the month of July this year, you also had your own solo show ‘I’m Over It?’, which was so far conducted at two places: Delhi NCR and Mumbai. How was your overall journey the same so far? Are you also planning to conduct the same in few other cities as well?

It has been amazing! The reception I have received has been overwhelmingly positive, so that makes me wanna keep improving the show and make it more personal and enjoyable for everyone. In August, I am going to Bangalore with the show, I hope to take it all over India (and hopefully the world!)

We have seen your immense enthusiasm about Korean Culture in general on your social media handles. What has inspired you to begin its liking, hence promoting the same, and how?

Around 2008-2009, there used to be a show on Animax called Pretty Boys and Girls. On that show, I remember the people performing the song ‘Sorry Sorry’ and I was intrigued by it. I went on YouTube and saw that music video, it was by SUPER JUNIOR and I got hooked. Super Junior and Girls’ Generation were the first K-Pop groups I heard and really enjoyed, despite not understanding the lyrics at all. But I majorly got into K-Pop in 2017 when I was introduced to BTS and a few other groups by my friend, that’s when I completely dove into the Hallyu wave. I was lucky to attend a BTS concert in 2019 which was one of the best days of my life. I even have a BTS tattoo.

You have also dealt with the trolls about body shaming on Twitter in an effective way and eventually, spread positive messages about loving yourself and body positivity in many of your articles; one of them being ‘The Quint’, that has inspired many viewers and fans. K-Pop and K-Dramas also have a major influence in highlighting social issues being body shaming as one of them. Which K-Pop songs or groups and K-Dramas have influenced you to speak up against such issues?

Of course, BTS – their message has always been to love and accept yourself. Seokjin’s solo – Epiphany just resonated with me so much. 

K-BEAUTY in India has been garnering a lot of attention in recent times including Korean Makeup and Skincare Techniques. It is also fascinating to see you getting into K-BEAUTY and showcasing your mesmerizing makeup skills on your social media. Can you share with us about your Korean Skincare and Makeup Routine?

K-Beauty is very skin focussed, and that’s why I love it. Earlier I used to do the seven-step skincare routine but it became too much for me, so now I just focus on the simple stuff, but there is nothing better than Korean skincare in my opinion. Korean makeup is very minimalistic, and I love lip stains that give a soft blur effect

You attended BTS Love Yourself Tour in Bangkok 3–4 years ago. What are some of those memorable experiences that you would like to share with us? Which K POP groups would you like to attend the concerts of in the future?

It was a surreal experience because seeing them in person is a dream come true for any ARMY. It was such an anxious experience to try to book tickets, but what joy it was to actually be able to get them. The day of the concert was extremely hot and I had a migraine, but the moment BTS came on stage, I forgot everything and it felt like the entire stadium had become just one entity. I could feel the love radiating. It truly was the best day of my life. I wish every ARMY gets to see BTS live. I would love to attend a TWICE and MAMAMOO concert someday!

Following this, you have also organized a live event on the Paytm Insider app or Insider.in the app for BTS ARMYS, which is Bangtan Time with Supriya, to celebrate the 6^th Debut Anniversary of the group BTS four years ago. This also included quiz rounds and many exciting prizes for winners. Can you share the overall process with us about conducting the same and your interaction with the fans? Are there any plans to conduct such events offline in future?

I was so happy that Insider collaborated with me on this idea, because during the live quiz, the winners ended up winning BTS albums, which are a prized commodity. The offline event was so much fun, it was so good to meet ARMYs and interact with them. Hopefully, we will be able to do this again.

During the pandemic, we have also seen the rise in the Hallyu Wave all over the world including India, which has led to the massive growth of your followers all around the world. How does it feel to achieve such a milestone? What is the message that you would like to share or convey to your followers or fans?

The Hallyu wave is one of the most fun and inclusive places to be part of. Give it a chance, if you haven’t already, you won’t be disappointed! I have made so many friends just because I started consuming K content. Also, Korean food is delicious! 

We would like to thanks Ms. Supriya on behalf of our entire team at Hallyuism for taking out the valuable time for this interview! And for all our readers, let us know your thoughts in the comments.