Interview with Dixit Suman, Animeta creator, Himbus

An exclusive interview with Dixit Suman, Animeta creator, founder of Himbus YouTube channel

Dixit Suman, the visionary creator and founder of the Himbus YouTube channel, has captured the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide with his deep-rooted connection to the Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh.

His content is a testament to his unwavering passion for these awe-inspiring regions, and his work has not only brought their natural beauty to the forefront but has also fostered a greater appreciation for the culture and people of the mountains.

As we sit down for an interview with Dixit Suman, we will delve into the origins of his fascination with the Himalayas, explore the inspiration behind the Animeta series, and gain insights into the incredible journey that led him to become a prominent content creator in the realm of travel and culture.

Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery with the man who has given voice to the mountains, in the words of their greatest admirer.

What inspired you to create The Himbus YouTube channel and focus on showcasing the scenic beauty of India, especially bus routes and landscapes in Ladakh?

Dixit Suman: The inspiration behind creating the Himbus YouTube channel stemmed from a deep-rooted connection to Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh, our home state. Growing up, we witnessed the integral role that state-run HRTC buses played in connecting even the remotest villages, given the absence of railways and flights. This early fascination with bus schedules and routes, almost a childhood hobby, evolved into the idea of Himbus.

We realized that while there was an abundance of content showcasing the scenic beauty of India, the unique perspective offered by public transport was largely unexplored. Himbus was born out of a desire to fill this gap, providing viewers with an authentic and immersive experience of the breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures and challenging terrains that define the Indian Himalayas.

Our focus on bus routes and landscapes in Ladakh, in particular, is driven by the region’s unparalleled beauty and the fact that it remains an underexplored gem. By capturing these journeys on camera, we aim to not only share the visual grandeur but also convey the connection between the people, their daily lives and the mode of transportation that weaves through these landscapes. Himbus is more than a channel; it’s a journey through the heart of Himalayas, one bus route at a time.

Could you describe the process of creating one of your immersive travel videos? What goes into planning and producing these visual journeys for your viewers?

Dixit Suman: The process of creating an immersive travel video for Himbus is a meticulously planned and executed journey that unfolds over several days. It all begins with selecting a location, considering factors like weather conditions and the feasibility of travel.

Once on board a public bus, the team faces the unpredictability of available seats, the cooperation of bus staff and the general atmosphere among passengers. Live voiceovers are avoided to maintain the authenticity of the experience and we try to capture original sounds of the surroundings.

After the journey is completed, the footage is carefully reviewed and selected based on the story and theme of the video. A script is then written to complement the visuals, and the final voiceover is added during the editing process. This whole post-production typically spans 3-4 days for a 45-minute video.

Ladakh is known for its unique and breathtaking landscapes. How do you select the specific bus routes and locations to feature in your videos, and what criteria de you use to decide which areas to showcase?

Dixit Suman: Selecting specific bus routes and locations is a thoughtful process that takes into account various factors. Firstly, we consider the visual appeal and uniqueness of the landscapes in a particular area. Ladakh, being renowned for its breathtaking scenery, offers a plethora of options.

Additionally, we evaluate the feasibility of travel in terms of accessibility. It’s crucial to choose routes that not only showcase the beauty of Ladakh but also allow for a smooth and safe filming experience. The unpredictability of weather in the region adds an extra layer of consideration.

Furthermore, we take into account the cultural significance and diversity of the locations. Ladakh is not just about stunning vistas; it’s also a region rich in unique traditions and communities. By featuring specific bus routes and locations, we aim to provide viewers with a holistic experience that captures both the natural beauty and cultural tapestry of Ladakh.

The Himbus channel offers viewers a truly immersive experience. Can you share some of the challenges and highlights of capturing the stunning scenery and unique perspectives of the regions you visit?

Dixit Suman: Capturing the stunning scenery and unique perspectives of the regions we visit is a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. One of the primary challenges is the reliance on public transport, which adds an element of unpredictability to our shoots. Securing the desired seat for the best views or missing out on crucial moments are hurdles we navigate during each journey.

The weather, a significant factor in the Himalayas, poses another challenge. We carefully plan our shoots to avoid adverse weather conditions, but the mountainous terrain is known for its unpredictability.

On the flip side, these challenges contribute to the authenticity of our content. The lack of staged scenes and reliance on the natural course of the journey allows us to capture genuine reactions, interactions, and the ever-changing beauty of the landscapes. It’s a raw and unfiltered experience that resonates with our audience.

India is a vast and diverse country with a multitude of beautiful destinations. How do you see the role of The Himbus evolving in the future? Are there any other regions or types of content you’re considering exploring?

Dixit Suman: As we continue to explore the Himalayan region, our vision includes expanding beyond Himachal Pradesh to cover other states and UT’s like Uttarakhand, Jammu, and Ladakh. This broader scope will offer viewers an even more comprehensive view of the varied landscapes, cultures, and challenges that define the Indian Himalayas.

Additionally, we’re considering venturing into other modes of public transport while maintaining our focus on buses. Furthermore, we are excited about potential collaborations and partnerships that could enhance the content and reach of Himbus. Connecting with local communities, highlighting sustainable travel practices and featuring offbeat destinations are also areas we aim to explore.

Building a successful YouTube channel often involves engagement with the audience. How do you connect with your viewers, and what kind of feedback or interactions have been most memorable or impactful for you as a content creator?

Dixit Suman: Connecting with our viewers is a vital aspect of our journey, and we value the community that has grown around our content. We actively engage with our audience through comments, live chat on video premieres, answering questions on Instagram and expressing gratitude for their support.

The feedback we receive is diverse and impactful. Viewers often share their own travel stories, reminisce about their experiences in the Himalayas, and express gratitude for showcasing the beauty of lesser-explored regions.

Memorable interactions include hearing from people who have been inspired to explore these areas themselves, using our videos as a guide. Knowing that our content has played a role in encouraging others to embark on their own adventures is incredibly rewarding.

Additionally, we’ve received valuable suggestions for improvement and ideas for future content. It’s heartening to see the audience actively contributing to the growth and evolution of Himbus.

In our interview with Dixit Suman, the mastermind behind the Himbus YouTube channel and the Animeta series, we have had the privilege of delving into the depths of a passionate connection to the Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh.

His journey from a deep-rooted fascination to a celebrated content creator has illuminated the world with the splendor of the mountains and their vibrant culture. Dixit’s storytelling prowess and commitment to his roots are an inspiration to all who yearn to share their passions with the world.

As we bid farewell, we can’t help but be reminded that the Himalayas, through Dixit’s lens, stand as not only a geographical marvel but a testament to the power of human connection with the places we call home. Dixit Suman’s work serves as a reminder that our deepest passions can lead us to create something beautiful, meaningful, and enduring.

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