Purav Jha
Purav Jha is an Indian YouTuber and actor known for his work in youth-oriented digital entertainment. He rose to prominence for portraying the character Poplu in the YouTube comedy series Shonty & Poplu, produced by Harsh Beniwal. Jha is also active as a content creator on YouTube and Instagram and has appeared in multiple web series and OTT projects.
| Purav Jha | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 11 August 2001
Ranti, Madhubani district, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | YouTuber, actor |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Known for | Role of Poplu in Shonty & Poplu |
| Residence | New Delhi, India |
Early life and background
Purav Jha was born on 11 August 2001 in Ranti village, located in the Madhubani district of Bihar. He was raised in a middle-class family; his father worked as a teacher, while his mother managed the household. He has two brothers.[1]
During his early years, Jha relocated with his family to New Delhi. His exposure to urban culture and digital media influenced his interest in acting and performance. While studying, he developed a reputation for mimicry and comic expression, which later became the foundation of his online career.[2]
Career
Early digital career
Purav Jha began his career by creating short-form comedy videos on TikTok, where his expressive acting style gained attention among young viewers. Following the platform’s ban in India, he transitioned to YouTube and Instagram, continuing to produce comedic and character-based content.[3]
Breakthrough with Shonty & Poplu
Jha’s major breakthrough came through his collaboration with YouTuber Harsh Beniwal. He was cast as Poplu in the comedy web series Shonty & Poplu, a character that became widely popular for its humor and relatability. The role significantly increased his visibility and established him as a recognizable face in India’s digital comedy space.[4]
Acting and OTT work
Following his online success, Jha expanded into acting roles on OTT platforms. His notable appearances include:
- Shonty & Poplu (2020) – as Poplu
- Who Killed Jessica? (2021) – supporting role
- Ishq Next Door (2023) – as Chuttan
- Hostel Daze – cameo appearance
These roles marked his transition from sketch-based comedy to scripted digital series.
Online presence
Purav Jha operates multiple YouTube channels, including Purav Jha and PuravWood, collectively garnering millions of subscribers. He also maintains a strong following on Instagram, where he shares short-form videos, lifestyle content, and promotional collaborations.
Public image
Jha is regarded as part of a new generation of Indian digital entertainers who have successfully moved from short-form video platforms to mainstream web series. His performances are often noted for their comic timing and expressive delivery. Fans have informally nicknamed him for his sharp recall and character immersion.
Personal life
Purav Jha has largely kept his personal life private. Media attention regarding his personal associations has not been accompanied by official statements from him. As of 2025, he remains unmarried and is focused on his professional career.
See also
References
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/purav-jha
- ↑ https://arisetimes.in/entertainment/who-is-purav-jha-rising-youtuber-and-actor-making-waves-in-indian-digital-entertainment/
- ↑ https://matlabinews.com/2024/11/14/youtuber-purav-jha-biography/
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-traitors-contestants-list-with-photos-full-and-final-list-of-the-contestants-of-the-traitors/photostory/121516214.cms