Niyati Mavinkurve, one-half of the popular Indian edutainment duo Abhi and Niyu, released a scathing and vulnerable open letter on Instagram Monday addressing the toxic expectations placed on creators to act as 24-hour news outlets.
In a lengthy text-based carousel titled “Niyu’s Musings,” the content creator pushed back against what she described as a “performative race” to cover every tragedy or policy failure in the country.
Niyu detailed severe burnout and “empathy fatigue,” announcing a significant shift in how the channel will approach trending topics moving forward into 2026.
The post, shared with the channel’s massive following, outlined the intense pressure Niyu has felt over the last two years. She expressed frustration with audiences who treat creators like a “nukkad wali aunty,” tracking who speaks on which specific issue and judging those who remain silent.
Accusations of Being Sold Out
According to Niyu, the internet demands instant opinions on gruesome events and crimes as fast as users can send direct messages. She noted that failing to react immediately often leads to accusations that the creators are “paid” or “sold out,” leaving no room for genuine confusion or burnout.
Niyati Mavinkurve explained that the speed at which negative news goes viral often leads to the spread of misinformation. She stated that her team prefers to wait and verify facts before forming an opinion, but by the time they are ready, the issue has often been resolved or the online mob has moved on.
This catch-22 situation results in abuse regardless of their actions; she noted that if she makes a video late, she is abused for the delay, and if she pauses to think, she is abused for thinking.
The creator shared the specific nature of the trolling she and her husband, Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha, have endured. Niyu listed slurs and accusations, including “traitor,” “broker,” and claims that they have sold their souls.
She refuted these claims, asserting that they have rejected countless projects and significant amounts of money because the offers did not align with their ethics.
She pointed out the irony that creators who make political videos daily are often viewed as neutral, while her silence is interpreted as being compromised.
Creator Burnout, Fatigue, and Mental Toll
The emotional toll of this environment has been significant. Mavinkurve revealed that she has been in a “numb” state, suffering from compassion fatigue, where continuous exposure to bad news renders a person unable to care.
She admitted that the trolling affected her deeply, causing her to stop writing scripts and appearing in videos for over a year. She described 2024 and 2025 as years filled with immense personal challenges, during which she was often unable to do more than delete old emails.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mavinkurve declared she is done with the old way of making content. She stated that the channel will no longer promise to cover trending topics and will instead focus on finding its unique voice again.
Niyu emphasised that they will not make videos on topics they do not agree with, regardless of external pressure. She reiterated her commitment to the nation, stating they would never sell out the country, but refused to participate in the “inorganic” pushing of topics.
She concluded her message by affirming that they are not a media company, but two people wanting to make the country better, and she is ready to reclaim the voice she was always proud of.
