Satish Ray: From Small-Town Engineer to YouTube’s Comedy Sensation

How this desi storyteller from Bihar turned Imaandar Sharma, Fake Podcast, and cultural humor into India’s favorite sketches; earning a cameo in Panchayat web series.

By
Tanu Rawat - Content Writer

Satish Ray has carved a unique place in India’s digital comedy scene, turning small-town struggles and sharp observations into one of the internet’s most-loved brands of humour. Known for his role as Imaandar Sharma and ‘Fake Podcast’ series on his YouTube channel, Satish Ray, the 30-year-old creator, now commands an audience of over 1.5+ million subscribers on YouTube, making millions laugh with his satirical takes on family, work, relationships, and middle-class Indian life.

Born on July 23, 1994, in Chapra, Bihar, Satish Ray grew up in a modest household, far from the spotlight of Mumbai’s entertainment industry. He studied engineering at YMCA Institute of Engineering, where he completed his B.Tech before moving to Mumbai in search of a bigger stage. 

Those years were marked by uncertainty, temporary jobs, financial stress, and family tensions, but Ray often credits that very anxiety and hunger for fueling his comedy. His own words capture the essence: “It was hunger, anxiety, and the wish to break stereotypes that pushed me forward.”

Satish’s digital journey began in 2014 with his first series, “Back Bencho.” But it was the creation of Imaandar Sharma, a character defined by blunt honesty, a Bihari accent, and razor-sharp punchlines that catapulted him into viral fame.

Sketches like “Faltu Engineers Santosh Sir,” “Papa ki Love Story,” and the ever-popular “Fake Podcast” made him a household name among YouTube audiences.

His comedy doesn’t just land laughs; it mirrors the realities of Indian middle-class families and the pride of Bihar’s culture. Alongside his own content, Ray’s writing talent has found other platforms too, he’s scripted for TVF’s “Celebrities in College: Kangana” and even penned viral Bhojpuri stories in regional newspapers.

His cameo in Amazon Prime’s hit series Panchayat earned him critical praise and gave him a foothold in mainstream entertainment.

By 2025, Satish Ray’s career had expanded far beyond YouTube sketches. His presence spans Instagram, where he runs collaborations and brand campaigns, and commercial projects such as the boAt & Blinkit Mother’s Day PSA.

He also launched Enjoy Kara Do, a cultural tourism initiative designed to showcase authentic Bihari experiences and dismantle old stereotypes about his home state.

His financial growth reflects his diverse portfolio; annual earnings are estimated between ₹30 to 50 lakh. This income comes from digital content, branded ads, writing, acting, and entrepreneurial projects.

Still, Ray remains vocal about the challenges of online comedy, reminding both fans and creators that “influencers are not actors” and that professional training matters in delivering authentic on-screen performances.

Though Satish Ray hasn’t yet won formal awards, his work has earned the admiration of audiences and even industry veterans. Pankaj Tripathi has publicly praised his sincerity and depth, while fans see him as a “breath of fresh air” who blends personal stories with comedy without losing authenticity. 

His Instagram following has crossed 60k+, adding to his massive YouTube reach, cementing his place as one of India’s most trusted digital voices in comedy.

Looking forward, Ray has his sights set on bigger projects, film roles, collaborations with directors rooted in storytelling, and the expansion of Enjoy Kara Do as a bridge between Bihar’s heritage and the wider world. 

His journey, from an engineering graduate in Chapra to a nationally recognised satirical voice, shows how regional identity and unfiltered humour can transform into a cultural force in the digital era.

Satish Ray’s rise proves one thing: sometimes the most relatable laughter doesn’t come from big cities or polished studios, but from the heartland, retold with honesty, satire, and a voice that feels like home.

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