From the Heart of Tanzania to the Beat of Bollywood

He danced his way into our hearts with lip-syncs, Maasai swag, and a whole lot of desi energy — and now, for the first time ever on Sri Lankan media, the internet sensation Kili Pauljoins me on Buzz with Danu. From a village in Tanzania to rubbing virtual shoulders with Bollywood royalty, he’s breaking borders, one reel at a time. Get ready for a global vibe, island style.

1. Let’s start at the beginning. Who was Kili Paul before the viral fame and Bollywood buzz?
Just a village boy from Tanzania who loved dancing and lip-syncing — especially to English songs on TikTok. I was creating content for fun, not fame. Then one post changed everything.

2. And that post was?
Raatan Lambiyan by Jubin Nautiyal. I posted it on Instagram — by accident, actually — went to sleep, and woke up to thousands of likes and comments. That moment was surreal. Until then, I was known on TikTok, but Instagram? That’s when things blew up.

3. Maasai culture meets Bollywood — how did that powerful fusion come about?
I’ve always been curious about cultures, music, and storytelling. Bollywood has rhythm, energy, and emotion. Pairing it with my Maasai roots felt natural, and I guess that authenticity clicked with people.

4. If your personality were three songs, what would they be?
Dance. Listen. Act. That’s my life — in motion, in music, in action.

5. Let’s talk about your name. “Kili Paul” — sounds like a stage name?
Not at all! My actual name is Kilimanjaro — yes, like the mountain! But people, especially my dad, called me Kili because I’m tall. So, Kili Paul just stuck.

6. You’ve become a household name in India. What’s one thing you absolutely love about Indian culture?
Oh, it gives me goosebumps! The music, the dance, the cinema — it’s full of soul. Indian culture celebrates emotion, and I connect with that deeply.

7. Have you been to India yet?
Yes! Twice — Mumbai and Gujarat. And let me tell you, the love was real. Not just on reels! People welcomed me with open arms, and I had the best time.

8. Funniest fan moment?
I once had someone literally freeze mid-step, eyes wide open, then suddenly scream and ask for a photo. Moments like that make me smile — it’s humbling.

9. You create content from a village with limited electricity. How do you keep it going?
Passion. Simple as that. I’ll walk 10 km if I have to just to charge my phone. I’m always hungry to learn, grow, and try new things — mentally and physically.

10. You often collaborate with your sister Neema. What’s it like working with her?
Let’s just say — we’re siblings! We’ve had our fights, even went a year without speaking. She’s clumsy, I get mad, but we always find our way back. She’s my sister. I love her — chaos and all.

11. Which Bollywood star made you go “Wait… they know me?!”
Akshay Kumar. Salman Khan. Sidharth Malhotra. Kartik Aaryan. I couldn’t believe it. It was like — is this real life?

12. You were even mentioned by Prime Minister Modi. What was that moment like?
I was in shock. All I could think was “Mama, I made it!” It’s one of my proudest moments, and my dream now is to meet him in person one day and shake his hand.

13. If Bollywood came knocking with a film role, would you say yes?
Not just yes — a big YES! And honestly, I don’t care who my co-star is. I’ll accept the role with both hands and give it everything.

14. What’s next for Kili Paul beyond TikTok and Instagram?
I’m working on music — singing, rapping — and also diving into acting. The Kili Paul brand is about more than just content. I want to mentor small creators, inspire, and grow.

15. What’s your message to all the dreamers out there?
Listen to your heart. Whatever vision or gift you have — trust it. But know this: even if the path is clear, if you don’t hustle, it’ll disappear. Be tough. Move hard. And above all, be kind. Be human.

16. You’ve started dancing to Sinhala songs! What inspired that move?
It all began with Manike Mage Hithe by Yohani. That track — wow! It touched my heart. I’ve felt the same love from Sri Lanka that I did when I first started in India. It’s beautiful.

17. So how did Sinhala music enter your playlist?
Through the Bollywood remix of Manike Mage Hithe. It featured Sidharth Malhotra and Nora Fatehi — two of my favorites — and I couldn’t stop listening.

18. What’s your favorite Sinhala song to perform?
Definitely Manike Mage Hithe. It’s got everything — emotion, rhythm, vibe. A total masterpiece.

19. Did you expect this much love from Sri Lankan fans?
Honestly? No. I’m blown away. The support, the energy, the kindness — it’s overwhelming in the best way. I didn’t expect it, but I’m beyond grateful.

20. Will we see you in Sri Lanka soon? Maybe a dance collab?
Oh yes — sooner than you think! I’m planning a visit, and I can’t wait to dance with everyone, learn more about the culture, and just vibe with all the love I’ve been feeling online. Sri Lanka, I’m coming!