“My name is Mohammad Abu Tahir, but online I go by Dakhini Taahir—a name born out of love for the language I grew up speaking. Dakhini isn’t just my mother tongue—it’s a cultural rhythm, a shared smile, and a voice that had long gone unheard.

I started creating content in 2017, experimenting with Tamil and mainstream formats, but nothing felt authentic. The turning point came when I picked up my vloggin kit and visited Muslim localities in Chennai—from Perambur to Dasamakhaan—asking people about the impact of Dakhini as a language within their communities. That video, now at 48,000 views, was a revelation: no one was telling our stories, in our language.

From there, I moved into entertainment—celebrating Dakhini through relatable skits and cultural moments. The reach was beyond what I imagined—even non-Dakhini speakers connected with the emotion. A major breakthrough came when I collaborated with Salman Yusuff Khan, a Bollywood personality. Together, we created two Dakhini videos—both crossing a million views—and the response was overwhelming.

Though I’m currently in my final year of Law, my true dream is to become an actor. I don’t know the exact roadmap, but I do know this: language is powerful. And storytelling, even more so.

Chennai has been more than just a home—it’s been my stage, my community, and my biggest support. From the flavours of its streets to the warmth of its people, this city helped me turn silence into self-expression. And through Dakhini, I finally found my voice.”