I saw your video about using your nice things, a little over a year ago, and i was like, "isn't this the guy from mean girls, what the heck??" It's legitimately one of my favorite movies, so i clicked it and was so thrown off by what i found, and immediately was hooked. Rather than liking your channel because you were the guy from Mean Girls, I ended up a fan of YOU and you just happen to be the guy from Mean girls. Your content is so enjoyable, I even watch with my three your old daughter now because she saw me watching the paper marbling video and now asks to watch it when i open youtube haha. Love your videos, keep it up Rajiv.
I think the first one I saw was making a lavender bundle for laundry (sorry i don’t recall the french term for the bundle), and I watched the whole thing in AWE like “how is Kevin G so sweet and wonderful” and then i told everyone about it but none of my friends were as amazed as I was. So here I am now like 2 years later and just seeing Rajiv as his own person and not a character, appreciating doing things slowly and by hand, but honestly watching this at 1.5x speed ironically. But I’ll blame the ADHD for that one
Me and my friends use your name to encompass our artistic, thrifty, stylish, crafty, elegant, bon-viveur, polymath and accomplished acts in life. "May you live your best Rajiv life" one of my friends wrote to me on a card once, giving me gorgeous unique wood cuts from a native tree so I could carve something. "I'm learning __ to pursue my graduation in Rajivness" I said when learning a new set of skills. "I rajivly went antiquing today for a thimble." told me another friend when she took up embroidery. "I got amazing real vintage oxfords, very Rajiv" another friend boasting about his treasured quality clothing finds. You are your own unique category of lifestyle/career. Your existence is so inspiring - and beyond inspiring us to do the things you do, you inspire us to do the things we want to do, to live this life well and fully. Much much love to you, dear Rajiv!
I'm 70 years old, found this channel a while ago, and also 'verb'' Rajiv's name when I find the perfect thing for the perfect spot and/or circumstance.
Ok. I’m adopting the “Rajiv” verb, adverb, adjective from now on. It’s brilliant. I always say “my guy” on RU-vid, “the one from Toronto that lives in New York, taught me this or that”.
I am so grateful that people find the courage to resist conformity to society’s norms. This world would be so boring without artists, activists, and philosophers. Love seeing examples of people who push back and get rewarded with a beautiful and fulfilling life. 💕
Knowing you in “real life” … this is you! Our talks about these subjects over coffee or making pottery ect.. is so interesting and yes inspiring to so many. So glad you made a video like this and I hope everyone who watches you feels the same. You are an amazing person bud and this was a perfect video.
Not to be shady towards the actor who did an amazing job at it, or take away from your story, but Life of Pi would be so insanely epic with you as the role as Pi Patel 😍
Right now life is really tough, taking care of a 101 year old who is fully aware of his situation. I followed your advice and took "you tube" watercolor classes. Which I can pick up and in 10 minutes have something to show for my time. I appreciate your honesty and knowledge. I have not found a local water color teacher but for now it fills the creative side of me! Thank you for your inspiring words and sharing!
I am in a similar situation caring for my 99 year old mom, who is living with me, and trying carve out time for myself to make sure my life doesn’t get pushed aside. Well done you!
I am now a 70 year old woman that took care of my mother until she passed at the age of 97. Im glad those days are behind me, because i never thought they would be. Taking care of an elderly parent is the toughest thing one can accomplish in life. It can be soul crushing. Especially if there is no help and if you have or had aspirations for your self. I am free from the responsibility of caring for my mother for 3 years now. I like Rajiv decided moving forward i was going to do what pleased me. With that said…..I watercolor, (good therapy) i acrylic paint, i draw , sew, crochet and Knit. When ever i darn well please. I am making up for the years i was stalled out. Keep the faith in your endeavors, make time for yourself, and ignore people that are nay sayers to your dreams and aspirations, no matter how you or old you become. 🎉
I am an a lady of 80 and watch all your videos and you inspire me I love all you do. A d I am going to buy your book. LTHIS COMING FROM LIVERPOOL England. Take care love and best wishes. Marje. Xx
"cuz we got jackets ...". I absolutely loved your character, now discovering that you are such a multi-faceted, inspirational human being also in real life. Happy 20th anniversary. You created something really special, and continue to do so.
I randomly go from saying things like "Uhhh, Kevin G!" to me telling my husband "That's not how Rajiv taught me how to clean the tub." We absolutely love you so much, Rajiv. Keep doing what you're doing. We are all multi-faceted people doing extra-ordinary things. You are a gem.
Thank for this episode 🙏🏻 Really needed to hear this today. I just resigned, not retired, just quit, my 20 year career to take time to figure out how to live my own genuine life. You are such an inspiration and living testimony of how you can follow your heart and live an unconventional life.
I want you to know that I am here doing exactly the same thing: trying to figure out what to do. The problem is that I am not quite sure what, but I know that I need a change. After all these years doing survival chores I know that I have to do something meaningful to myself. I know it's a quest that I should have taken long, long time ago. Some , like Rajiv, are more driven, more focused. But I am here. Trying.
Life was hard on me. I found myself falling into nihilism. I discovered your videos months ago and your words brought me back to beauty. I see the beauty in mundanity, functionality, and flaws now. I’m inspired to cultivate my own little slice of happiness in this world. For the first time in a long time, I’m throwing myself into creativity, I’m wanting to share my life with others, and I’m using all my nice things daily and appreciating every moment of it. Thanks Rajiv. 💚
I am an immigrant Indian mother, never skipped your videos even though some of them are not area of my interest. But respect that in this world of social media you are teaching us how to focus on little things which bring more clarity and happiness. Thank you Rajive.
I watch all your videos but I don’t think I ever comment. You’ve inspired me and my husband to reorganize our stuff and to spend more of our time appreciating and creating beautiful things! We always get excited when you have a new video. I’ve always loved antiques and small ways of living and I just wanted to say thank you for all the inspiration and personal stories you share! I always say to my husband “Rajiv is like a whimsical fairy!” ❤ Thanks for showing me how to spend my time better and we are truly happier for it!
Your mama just wanted you to be secure, and only had your best interest at heart. I’m glad that nobody was able to stifle your desire to create all the beautiful things you learned to make. I love hearing your stories! Rajiv, I hope you know what an inspiration and treasure you are for all who come here.
Being a child of immigrant parents I so identify with this. My parents’ view of achievement was to study, be good at math and science (never mind the fact mom was a librarian), go to University, become either a doctor, teacher, accountant, lawyer or engineer and the ultimate success was getting a job with the government that had benefits and a pension plan!!
Your tenacity is such a precious gift. I don't come by it as naturally, kind of the opposite in fact - I too easily put my deeper dreams and hopes aside to focus on what I "should" be doing or what I think other people expect of me. But I have been working on that a lot. I'm so grateful for folks like you who remind us that we have the choice to be brave and do it anyway.
The more I get to know you the more I love you. Are you ok? You did everything by yourself and I am so proud of you! When someone asks you what you do tell them “I am a very successful influencer.”
I had no idea you were an actor! While I was describing your channel to my husband, I had a hard time condensing the content into a few sentences, which I hope you find is a wonderful compliment. I watch, not because I share any of the same hobbies, but because you inspire me to live a life so full of passions that who I am cannot be quickly summed up in something like a job. Hope you take care, and get some good sleep soon! 😅
Your story really touches me. I come from an Indian background myself. My father was and still is a raging alcoholic. There was never a time I was around him where he didn’t smell of rum. It was heartbreaking. But as a fellow artist I decided to use my creative abilities to better my connection to myself and to those around me. You’re revolutionary and I’m glad you followed your heart. Thank you. 🙏🏽💙
I usually feel left behind in one way or another even though I love my life when someone talks about their life but this made me feel like I’m right where I want to be. Thank you for being you 🥹
I hope you won't be disappointed; I didn't know you were in a movie, and I have never seen the movie Mean Girls...it's nice knowing that acting is part of your resume!
I found you during the pandemic and haven't looked back. You are wise beyond your years and I have learned many things listening to your perspectives on so many things. What I appreciate the most is your honesty and telling your truth without apology. You have touched so many lives in a positive way and your parents should be proud.
i'm not nearly as ambitious as you are, so i'm not exactly where i'd like to be, but i've always been proud of that "i'm going to do whatever *i* want" instinct. and yes, it's made my life unnecessarily difficult sometimes, but it's also made me very proud not to have put myself through situations i wasn't okay with. and really, it's thanks to people like you i've realized i don't have to do whatever is expected of me or follow a "traditional" path to have a good life, a life i'm happy with. so thank you! and thank you for being a part of mean girls (it was my favorite movie for a long time), and thank you for introducing me to writing letters, which i now consider a big hobby. i hope you always thrive.
You are unapologetically you and I think that is amazing. We have a very short lifespan, we should make the most of every moment and that is what you are doing.
I started by saying a funny quote from the movie but am now typing a more sincere response. This turned out to be a wonderful life lesson you are sharing with us - thank you! I can’t imagine how traumatizing it must have been to see the part go to somebody else after all the waiting and investment you put into it. I would’ve felt lost too. So glad you followed your hunch to look into the next gig that landed you in Germany and ultimately revived you! I want to follow my hunch too to get more into crafts. I’ve never considered myself an artist because I was pigeon holed as book smart as a kid and my sibling the artsy one. Thankfully my partner now encourages my gifts. I want to get into ceramics and even lamp work. I’ve loved calligraphy in the past and am bummed I didn’t follow that through so I’ll do what I can now with the resources I have now. You are right that our series of choices lead us to where we are today. I am unhappy with several things and need to remember I have the power to change them. I struggle with a melancholy disposition. Usually when I finally attain happiness and feel my energy high and lifted, something tragic happens. So I’ve learned to fear happiness in a way. But that’s no way to live. Got to accept the good and bad. Thank you for the inspiration.
Happy Mean Girls Day! I remember you and your character from the movie, "Mean Girls". Your character was one of my favorites because of how naturally funny he was...he was so passionate about math, and about his crush. You were so perfect for this part too, and I'm glad you pushed to be in it because that movie is so memorable and fun after all these years.
Lawyer, doctor or cricket player. Still the same here. With the role in the movie you'd never become an inspirer and influencing thousands of viewers with your way of seeing the world and its opportunities. That's a very good statement about choosing your life. but someone only might understand if they are honest with themselves. Thank you for these intimate moments.
Rajiv, You're one of the very few people who's RU-vid videos I look forward to watching. With that being said, the next time someone ask you what is your profession, tell them Renaissance Man or Whatever I Choose! If that person doesn't like your answer because it's not specific enough for them, walk away. People like that are ONLY defined by the education and title in their life and they can't appreciate anything different. Only like minded people will understand and appreciate you. I'm speaking from experience.💚
Let me tell you something… watching your videos brings me nothing but joy ! I love them… I suffer from clinical depression and I also have anxiety… just being able to sit down and watch one of your videos is therapeutic for me … the first time I saw you since I’ve watched mean girls was when I was watching tv there was a Walmart commercial for Black Friday sales … when I saw you I was like wait is that ? I wasn’t exactly sure .. I always come on RU-vid .. I happen to see one of your videos about your storage room .. at first I didn’t know who you were until I started watching more of your videos I was like wait he’s the guy that was on mean girls it’s Kevin G ! All grown up! I even had to google you to make sure It was you … your character was hilarious! God bless …
There is such a difference between doing things you think you might want to do and things you have to do, KNowing the difference is what makes one driven . The most important message here is none of this life story that was shared here was a free ride.All of it came from an inner drive .That drive comes from exersiing one's will power and listening to the quiet inner voice speaking to each of us ..Learning to trust that voice takes big adult muscles ..We are all in the same gym :)
Thank you Rajiv for being so real and honest. You are such an inspiration. You would not have touched so many peoples lives if you stayed at the bank! .
A lot of us were difficult children for whatever reason, (nurture or nature) but being able to look back on your younger self and recognize how far you’ve come is real humility so brava.
Oh, my! You have touched a fiber of my soul again. I always told you how much inspiration you have been to me. But I have never confessed that I am embarking into quite a few challenging experiences now because of your inspiration. Wish me luck, though. I am not as tough as you are. Just resilient. Thanks again for another gift. I will keep this chapter on my treasure box.
as the child of Nigerian immigrants, this video speaks to me SO clearly...there is absolutely no precedent in my immediate family for the life I am living as a woman of a certain age, unmarried and without children...but like you, I questioned the culture I grew up in, and took personal and professional risks. I am grateful for the life I am living today and seek to continue to do it on my own terms- continued best wishes and thank you
You are an inspiration to so many in so many ways. After 3yrs of being in an art gallery, I decided no more. I want to paint what inspires me and not what will sell in the gallery which is not what I enjoy painting.
You speak so well about choices. And whenever I watch your videos about art, travel, home keeping, craft, etc.,the word that always comes to mind is “intention.”
You are a great example of creating and manifesting your own joy and building what you love. BRAVO!!!! I'm with you. I also created my own joy. Founder and ED of an arts and cultural org.
Never saw Mean Girls, but definitely read "The Life Of Pi" and can definitely see you as that character. Especially the Rabbi, Catholic Priest, and Imam descending upon your house at the same time to talk to your parents who didn't know you were attending all. Life is full of ups and downs and can be so unfair at times, but I love how you live your life with no regrets.
This is such an important story to share and you did it so eloquently - pushing through the hard things repeatedly, overcoming hurdles and challenges and starting afresh so many times - you are incredible! ❤
Rajiv - you have worked so hard to live the life you want and that is an inspiration. I'm reading your memoir "The Elephants in My Backyard" and I love it so much; You are a natural storyteller. Keep being you and doing you. You bring joy to so many. Thank you.
Recognizing you from Mean Girls is the reason I started watching you. And we have the film to thank for that. I'm a working artist and have been for nearly a decade now and you have kept up the same spirit that I have: question everything and create the world that you want to live in. I love your channel and your message.
I’m so grateful that your journey brought you here to this format. With so many ways that you could share your passions, this channel adds a wonderful aspect of community. It’s a respite from some of the harshness that bombards us. It renews my spirit that so many like-minded people find their way here who share an appreciation of someone literally making their own way through handcrafts, art, and an intentional life.
I'm so happy that you went against the grain, poured your heart into what you love, and that you're actually doing what you love for a living! It's amazing, but it wasn't without lots of hard work and judgement, which proves you're amazing! Thank you for adding beauty to my world!
You receive many comments and often I find myself not leaving comments because I know how overwhelming it can feel responding. Your channel has been such a favorite channel of mine for such a long time now. YOU are such an exceptional person and I love to listen to your life experience and your tenacity and your not give up attitude. I admire the way you live your life. You literally are exceptional at everything you put your mind to. Thank you for being YOU! Exactly YOU! I quit my job of 31 years working for family and felt like I had to because it was family. I was slowly dying. I finally quit! Now I make YT videos and I’m much more happy! I hope people watching this are inspired too and realize they can follow their heart and it may not be conventional but it will fill their hearts to the brim. I’ve also been wanting to write to you but have been to shy to do so. We are all human! I need to just do it! Thank you for all you share with us!
I can relate so much with your story. My kids are at the cusp between finding job and finishing education. Sometimes that’s scary. As you said parents want nothing more than seeing their kids settled.
Rajiv, everytime I see one of your videos pop up in my feed, *immediately*, and I mean immediately I start hearing "Allllll yooooouu sucka MC's ain't got nothing on me..." 😂😂 I watch your videos with my children. We love seeing your adventures and I adore the person that you are. ❤ Never change. I started watching for the mean girls, but I stayed for the rajiv.
Wow Rajiv, thank you so much for sharing the personal journey here! As an Asian I completely understand the upbringing, luckily my parents were very supportive and I believe being a daughter had less obligation as a son. Every choice we make leads to today, I firmly believe that! Sometimes I asked myself, am I too old for this? How can I compete with the young ones who are so keen on everything? Work is very slow at home but I’m so happy to do what I love even though that means I had to travel to work (which you’re lucky if it breaks even). Things will always work out one way or the other….live the life the way you want is the most important. Thank you again, so very inspiring!
Lieber Rajiv, Danke für deine Worte! Alles, was du machst, wie du denkst, dein ästhetischerGeschmack kommt mir sehr vertraut vor und spricht mir aus der Seele! DANKE, Sonja aus Stuttgart
Rajiv, this was so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing that story. When I first came across your channel a few months ago, I thought, “hey isn’t that the guy from Mean Girls?!” So I looked your name up on IMDB and lo and behold you were. I live in Central Massachusetts near Old Sturbridge Village, and the Brimfield Flea Market, so I’ve enjoyed many of your HGTV videos on those places, as well as the videos on your personal channel. I was never crafty as a kid, because I thought I was terrible at art. But in the last nine years or so, I’ve taught myself how to knit, Cross stitch, paint with different mediums, sew and quilt, and whatever else my little heart desires. I enjoy these crafts more than anything and they fill me up so my cup is truly overflowing. I so enjoy learning from you, not because you were in Mean Girls (even though that is definitely one of my all time favorite movies!), but I just enjoy you as a human being. I’d like to think we would be friends in real life, because we seem very similar. Keep putting your beautiful light out into the world and I look forward to your next video! ❤
Your story is so compelling and I think part of why it resonates is that you demonstrate that ambition doesn't need to be GRAND to be meaningful. There is just as much value in wanting to properly clean a tub so you can take an amazing bubble bath, or trying to make the perfect floral arrangement, as there is in auditioning to be in a potential Hollywood blockbuster. Everyone needs to find out for themselves what makes them happy, and that's something that can change over time. It takes discipline and hard work to keep reaching for our goals, no matter how big or small... and we can make these experiences better by learning from others along the way.
I have been following you on video from your early slots in HGTV. But even before then, my daughter in law talked about this great chalkboard artist in Toronto and was hoping could do their wedding invites. It didn't happen, but I knew of you then. My local library has your book, so I made a point of reading it. I had just been to Pondicherry, so could visualize your time there. As a Mom, I could empathize with your Mom. We just want security for our kids and not have them go through times of want. But I am sure your mom was proud of the man you are and continue to develop into. Keep being true to yourself.
I’ve been watching you for a while now and I’m going into accounting in college this year. While I think it’s important work a part of me feels like I need to bring life back into my soul. Thank you for sharing your experience with pursuing your passions
"Failure was not new to me" I LOVE THIS QUOTE! What a champion to be able to say that. I can feel the built up strength from all my "failures" pulsing in hearing you say this. THANK YOU
I just fell in love and cried ❤ was watching human design videos and I swiped and lost what I was watching and your video out of nowhere started playing . Heaven sent x
I completely understand. I grew up in an immigrant household as well and there was pressure to be “successful” by my parents’ standards. I carried that into adulthood. For a long time I felt really bad about my life because it isn’t the life that was expected of me. I still do to some extent. Some days I wonder if I’m a failure in my parents eyes. I’m afraid to ask honestly. I had my first kid 15 years ago and navigating my own childhood trauma/baggage through parenting my children has helped me realize that I need to do what makes me happy and that’s more important than being defined by other people’s definition of success. My oldest is neurodivergent. He can’t be measured by the same yard stick as that of neurotypical people. And he is wildly successful in his own life by his standards. And I tell that to him everyday. It’s hard. Sometimes I have to stop and take a breath and think “am I pushing him for me or for him? Am I measuring his success based on the standards of typical society or by what he actually wants or will make him happy.” I guess in a way I would not have that insight if I didn’t understand that of myself and my experiences. Personal growth??? Lol
Funny, I had been watching your RU-vid channel for sometime, including your appearances on HGTV, which I believe proceeded your channel. One evening my kids had “mean girls” playing on the kitchen television. One of your scenes caught my eye and I knew immediately it was you. I continued watching your RU-vid channel (of course) because your content is inspiring for many “artists” wired this way. However, the message you broadcast today, October 3rd mean girls day, surpasses all of it! Thank you. May your “determined” journey continue -happily!
Rajiv, what an extraordinary life- thank you for sharing yourself so authentically. Giving a glimpse into your “interior world” that informs your choices in the physical. “Leap and the net shall appear!”
You're a good storyteller. I love listening to you. I never knew you were in the movie Mean Girls. I grew up in a large family. We had to have a large garden and canned our food. Mom bought us crafts for Christmas presents to keep us busy. Our whole family is crafty or an artist, which is why I like your videos. I love that you loooove the things in your life and use them every day. Life is a series of choices. Complaining gives a person "reason" not to take personal responsibility for their life. I have to learn this lesson over and over. Thanks for sharing.
I highly recommend the audible audiobook! I listened to it on my walks and felt like I had Rajiv with me sharing his life story as a friend. It's so charming.
Hi Rajiv!!! I did know you from Mean Girls but it isn’t why I stay… you have endeared me to your little channel through the beauty you see in the world and all of the old arts you keep alive. You are an incredible ball of light and inspiration. I can’t get enough of your work as an artist and human. I’m grateful to Mean Girls for being a part of your journey to get here today, so we can see how wonderfully bright you burn ❤
Honestly Rajiv, I think that even without Mean Girls (as much I adore it and Tina Fey), I think you would have made your way here and to us, we to you. And you being associated with that project and many others im sure, means that in a way, they are also able to bask in the being that is Rajiv and all that he's and will do, and count themselves lucky. This was a great video and continued success and joy in life 🥰
