All of us have a Pammi aunty in our house – Ssumier S Pasricha
Ever since he posted his first video on 14th May 2016, Ssumier S Pasricha aka “Pammi Aunty” has made a place in everyone’s heart – be it the middle-aged women, older generation, children or youngsters. Meet the social media sensation, the person behind Pammi Aunty who has brought a much-needed dose of entertainment and laughter in our lives.
Ssumier S Pasricha as Pammi aunty
What was the inspiration behind creating Pammi aunty?
Pammi aunty is dedicated to all the Punjabi mother-in-laws, dadis, nanis, aunties, chachis, mamis, buas etc. They are my inspiration. The small little nuances that I do are something that I have observed in them and I’m using that in my videos.
Pammi aunty is dedicated to all the Punjabi mother-in-laws, dadis, nanis, aunties, chachis, mamis, buas etc
Who is Pammi aunty?
Pammi aunty is a middle-class lady who hails from a Punjabi family settled in Delhi. She had a great upbringing but didn’t find happiness after marriage. And she does not want that to happen again after her husband’s death and son’s marriage. She is insecure and possessive about her son as she considers her daughter-in-law as competition who will take her son away from her. Pammi aunty is fun-loving, she loves rummy (card game) and playing cupid is her hobby. She is spiritual as well as intelligent as she knows about what is going on in the world and feels that her opinion will make a difference to the world.
What was it about Pammi aunty that struck a chord with the audience? How did Pammi aunty become the sensation that she is today?
All of us have a Pammi aunty in our house; not just in Punjabi families but even in Gujarati or Marathi families. There is one lady in our house who talks like Pammi aunty, gossips like her and even criticizes her daughter-in-law in a similar way. It is popular because people can relate to it and because all this happens in everyone’s house on a daily basis.
All of us have a Pammi aunty in our house; not just in Punjabi families but even in Gujarati or Marathi families
Did you ever anticipate these videos becoming so popular and going viral like they did?
Neither was I confident, nor was it my intention. I was entertaining a few friends who used to love what I was doing. It became viral by itself and that changed my life.
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Ssumier S Pasricha & Pammi Aunty in one frame (Picture Courtesy: Ssumier’s Facebook page)
So have you ever marketed yourself and your videos? Or was it simply word of mouth?
The videos became viral on their own. I did not market them nor did I spend money. All I used to do is put them on Facebook and Instagram.
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You’ve made more than 60 videos in just four months, how do you come up with the content or the core theme of the videos? Do you ever experience writer’s block?
There is ample masala that can be talked about through Pammi aunty. She does not just talk about home matters but also about other things. Therefore it can keep going on. But yes, she needs to be witty and hilarious. I’m sure that I’ll keep doing this till the creative person in me is alive.
I’ll keep doing this till the creative person in me is alive
Is there any artist whom you wish to feature on your show?
I want to invite Mr. Rishi Kapoor. He is a great actor, a legend and a Punjabi who would surely add so much fun to a Pammi aunty episode.
What do you think of the changing face of entertainment – from movies to TV shows, to web series and now short skits and running gags; how do you see entertainment evolving?
Entertainment has surely changed. In our busy lives, we hardly get time to watch full series or movies. Small little gags or skits are quick getaways from your busy life and if they entertain you, then why not! I prefer one or two-minute videos and love watching whoever is entertaining.
One perspective about your work is that since Bollywood didn’t work out, Pammi aunty was born out of necessity. Now that you’ve obviously gained recognition, are you going to venture in that direction again? Are there any offers on the table?
There are lots of offers on the plate. I am hungry for a good, challenging role. And for me every medium is a good medium – be it TV or Films. Roles were offered then and are being offered now as well. I just need to be creatively satisfied and involved. I’ll never do TV or a movie for five-minutes of visibility.
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How does a Modern School alumnus, MBA graduate, son of a businessman go from following his father’s footsteps to struggling as an actor? What can you share about your journey?
I never use the word ‘struggling’, I always say that I am here to make my life. It’s not just actors who struggle but everyone is struggling for their identity, career and future. Everyone is struggling to achieve their dreams, be it my businessman father or a Modern School alumni. And I have made all of them proud and am happy about it. No journey is an easy journey. I have had my hardships but success only comes to people who are patient and focused… aaj nahi to kal (be it today or tomorrow), everyone reaches their goal… mera thoda der se hua… (Mine happened a bit late)
I never use the word ‘struggling’, I always say that I am here to make my life
And your future plans?
Several things are on the plate and will be out soon in the media.
