Low-cost smartphones and the Chinese app TikTok had helped millions of Indian youngsters, some of whom could not make it in the film and TV industry, taste stardom. The recent banning of the app, among others from China, by the Indian government amid the face-off with the country, has upset TikTokers, but they are hopeful for an Indian-made app.

"I welcome the government's decision as tensions on the Indo-China border are rising. We are living in the Internet age and I am hopeful that an Indian application, similar to TikTok, will soon come," said Mohit Tandon who used to earn R17,000 through TikTok videos promoting products and services. "I had come to Mumbai to become an actor but could not get a break So I turned to TikTok where my videos were liked by millions. I had a following of one million people," said Tandon, who has also appeared on reality shows as a face dancer. He returned home to Jaipur a month ago to be with his family.