What happens when a double Master’s degree holder moves to the snowy landscapes of Minnesota and decides to pick up a camera? You get “A Amerikecha”, one of the most beloved Marathi YouTube channels documenting the Indian immigrant experience in Marathi.
In this episode of the American Bhau Podcast, Gauri Deshmukh joins Rahul to share her fascinating journey, from the schools of Karad and Satara to building a community of over 325,000 global subscribers.
The Academic Foundation
Before she was a YouTuber, Gauri was a dedicated academic. Growing up in Karad, she pursued a Master’s in Economics and followed it up with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) in Satara. Her background in social work and her experience working on government projects in Maharashtra gave her a unique perspective on community and communication.
Gauri credits her early years in competitive speaking and writing for her confidence on camera today. “I didn’t know the platform back then,” Gauri says, “but I knew I loved to talk and share my thoughts.”
Landing in the “Deep Freeze”
Gauri’s American journey began in December 2019, when she moved to Minnesota with her husband, Avi, and their one-year-old son, Bilva. Arriving in the middle of a brutal winter, the culture shock was real.
“Coming from India, we are used to crowds and noise. My first reaction in America was, where are all the people? It was just quiet roads and empty sidewalks.”
The Birth of “A Amerikecha”
The name of her channel is a clever play on the Marathi alphabet, signifying the “ABC” or the “basics” of American life. While Gauri had the idea for a channel early on, it took a year of living in the U.S. to finally hit “record.”
It started on Facebook and Instagram, where she wrote about her experiences. The overwhelming response from readers, who kept asking to see what she was describing pushed her toward YouTube.
On January 1, 2021, she uploaded her first video, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Gauri’s Tips for Aspiring Content Creators
For those sitting on the fence about starting their own channel, Gauri offers some practical, “no-nonsense” advice:
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Don’t Wait for Fancy Gear: Gauri started with just her phone and eventually a GoPro. “The camera quality matters less than the authenticity of your voice,” she explains.
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Overcome the “Formal” Barrier: Many people freeze when the red light goes on. Gauri admits her first video felt “artificial” because she was nervous, but she emphasizes that comfort only comes with practice.
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Focus on Value: Gauri chose not to do “daily vlogging” of her routine. Instead, she focuses on information-rich content that helps people understand life in the U.S., from cultural festivals to navigating local systems.
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The Power of Community: Gauri views her subscribers as family. This trust was evident when over 400 people showed up for a “Subscriber Meet” in Pune a moment she describes as truly overwhelming.
The Process Behind the Magic
Creating a video isn’t just about pointing a camera. Gauri’s process involves:
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Deep Research: Spending days reading up on a topic to ensure the information is accurate.
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Discussion: Brainstorming with her husband, Avi, to get a second perspective.
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Editing: Using tools like Filmora to weave together a story that keeps the audience engaged.
Watch the Full Episode
Gauri’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pivot and follow a passion. Whether you are an aspiring creator or someone curious about the life of an Indian family in the U.S., this conversation is packed with heart and wisdom.
