With over 350,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, Gajen Chandra brings a refreshing authenticity to social media with his signature blend of humour and heart. BURO sits down with the Malaysian creator to discuss his journey from introverted art lover to digital entrepreneur, discovering how his "not that deep" philosophy just might be the depth we're all searching for.

In an era where authenticity is both craved and scrutinised, content creator Gajen Chandra has mastered the delicate art of being genuinely himself—whether that means recreating Blackpink's Jennie's hairstyle on a whim or sharing philosophical musings about self-improvement. His unique ability to blend spontaneous creativity with thoughtful reflection has resonated with audiences seeking both entertainment and authenticity in their social media feeds.

With over 333,000 followers on TikTok and a combined reach that spans millions, Gajen has carved out his own corner of the internet where humour meets heart, and where being "not that deep" somehow translates into profound wisdom for his growing audience. In a digital landscape often criticised for its superficiality, he has found that sweet spot between levity and sincerity, proving that meaningful connections can be forged even through the most lighthearted content.

The story of how Gajen Chandra became a social media sensation begins, as many great stories do, with a perfect storm of circumstances. As the youngest child and only son to an Indian father and Chinese mother, Gajen's early years were marked by quiet creativity—a shy child who found joy in drawing, supported by parents who encouraged his artistic pursuits even when structured art lessons proved too constraining for his spontaneous spirit.

Like many teenagers facing the daunting question of "what next?" after high school, Gajen found himself at an education fair, where fate and some well-meaning counselors steered him toward a Communications degree with a focus on Public Relations. Then came the pandemic, that great equaliser that forced everyone—including college students like Gajen—into isolation. It was during this period that TikTok became more than just another app; it became a canvas for his creativity.

Growing up Gajen

The turning point came in 2020 when a spontaneous video recreating Blackpink member Jennie's hairstyle went viral. "I don't really plan my videos—the process is quite spontaneous," Gajen reflects. "I filmed myself using a white concealer to put streaks in my hair then posted the video and took my dog out for a walk. By the time I got home, there were tons of views, and that was really when I decided to start posting more regularly, just to see where it would take me. I try not to overthink things, and I've always just had fun making videos."

Despite his rising fame, Gajen maintains his authenticity through a support system that keeps him grounded. "I think my friends and my family keep me quite grounded. I'm also quite self-aware and sensitive to how words have the ability to hurt. But my friends and family do keep me in check and will definitely let me know if I post something that is potentially offensive or insensitive."

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Gajen's journey is how an introvert found his footing in such a public-facing career. As his following grew, so did the demands on his public persona—branded content, event appearances, and the constant pressure to be "on." For someone who describes himself as naturally shy, this presented a unique challenge.

"I think mostly overcoming my shyness," Gajen says when asked about his greatest milestone thus far. "I overthink a lot and I get quite anxious. In the beginning, having to attend events made me very nervous and I was really awkward. But then I think over time and with practice, I've definitely become more comfortable being at events and even doing shoots. Now I feel more comfortable meeting people, and I think my social skills have definitely improved, which is a huge step for me."

Introvert to Internet Sensation

With increased visibility came the inevitable negativity, but Gajen's approach to handling hate comments is refreshingly pragmatic. "It used to get to me when I first started, but I've learned to not let it affect me. I don't read hateful comments and I don't respond. If the criticism is not constructive, I really don't care." Sometimes, he even transforms the negativity into content, using it as material for his skits—a testament to his ability to find humour in adversity.

In what might be the most ironic twist of digital fame, it took becoming a public figure for Gajen to truly come into his own. His journey from shy creative to confident content creator was never merely about gaining followers, but about finding comfort in his own skin–both online and off–a very necessary reminder that sometimes the very thing we fear might be exactly what we need to grow.

Beyond the carefully curated feeds and viral videos lies a young man whose depth belies his claims that life isn't "that deep." A gym enthusiast who values mental health, a devoted fan of The Weeknd (his top artist on Spotify for five consecutive years), and a proud cat dad to Oliver and Anjali, Gajen's authentic self emerges in the spaces between posts.

There's an understated wisdom in how he navigates life—a quiet confidence that manifests in his extensive collection of tattoos, which started as deeply meaningful statements but evolved into aesthetically-driven choices, much like his approach to life itself: not everything needs to carry the weight of profound significance. This philosophy, whether consciously embraced or not, aligns closely with stoicism—a tranquility preserved through careful selection of what matters and what doesn't, including the choice to remain unruffled by online negativity.

Behind the Screen

His connection to The Weeknd's "Less Than Zero" reveals a vulnerability that many of his followers might relate to: "It means a lot to me because it deals with feeling like you're not good enough. Sometimes I do feel like that when it comes to, work or, like, relationships or friendships or whatever. It's hard not to compare yourself to others, but I try not to put too much meaning to it. I think when you normalise your feelings, you don't give it meaning and eventually it passes."

In person, Gajen possesses that rare quality of being fully present while maintaining a comfortable reserve. He isn't the most effusive, but his observant nature and quick wit reveal themselves in subtle ways. His humour—a sophisticated blend of wit, timing, and social commentary—speaks to an agile mind at work. It's worth noting that humour, particularly the kind that resonates with diverse audiences, requires a complex interplay of cognitive abilities: pattern recognition, contextual understanding, and the capacity to process multiple layers of meaning simultaneously. Gajen's particular brand of comedy, which often involves clever social observations and perfectly timed cultural references, demonstrates not just comedic talent but a keen intelligence that understands the nuances of human behaviour.

The distinction between his online persona and real-life personality offers interesting insight: "I think very similar in terms of humour, but I'm not always like that. I'm a bit more chill in person, a bit more quiet and reserved when I first meet people. How I am online is how I am with my closest friends. I think a lot of people expect me to be very loud when they meet me, but it's just a different side of me."

What emerges is a portrait of someone surprisingly mature for his years—a young man secure enough in his own skin to admit to insecurities, wise enough to choose his battles carefully, and grounded enough to maintain authentic connections with friends from different phases of his life. As a son, friend, and content creator, Gajen embodies a kind of modern wisdom that doesn't announce itself with grandiose statements but rather reveals itself in the consistent choices he makes: choosing authenticity over performance, genuine connections over superficial engagement, and personal growth over stagnation.

With 333.3k followers on TikTok, 65.7M likes, and 50.5k Instagram followers, Gajen's influence continues to grow. Yet his future plans reveal an entrepreneur who's taking measured steps forward—including a forthcoming skincare brand that he discusses with careful discretion, revealing only that its first product holds special significance.

His perspective on happiness reflects a wisdom that seems almost contradictory to his youth: "I think I'm very blessed to have a very healthy social circle. I have my family, my college friends, childhood friends, and my content creator friends... I think money is important to be comfortable, but it isn't an aspiration of mine to be super rich. What is important to me is to be able to live a very comfortable life: like being able to go to the mall or eat somewhere nice without having to think of how much it will all cost–just having the luxury to do that is happiness to me."

Forward Motion

Perhaps most telling is his advice for others: "Don't get too comfortable, and always strive to be better. The one thing I don't ever want to become is a person who doesn't want to improve. It could be anything—from your mental health to personality or bad habits such as laziness or lateness—you just can't be stagnant and think that where you are right now is ok, even if it is. You have to grow, constantly."

In a world that often demands performative depth, Gajen Chandra's light-hearted approach to life, coupled with his underlying wisdom, offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the most profound insights come wrapped in laughter, and the most authentic connections begin with being true to oneself—even if that truth involves spontaneous hairstyle recreations and innuendo-laden skits.

Whoever or whatever he is, one thing is for certain: Gajen Chandra is unbothered, moisturised and happy in his lane.