US-based Christopher AKA Your Nalla Vellakaran aspires to bridge continents and cultures, one Mallu relatable post at a time.
Growing up in the multicultural mosaic of the United States, Christopher C always possessed a natural curiosity for languages. (Supplied)
Growing up in the multicultural mosaic of the United States, Christopher C always possessed a natural curiosity for languages. In his twenties, he stumbled upon the vibrant world of Indian culture, where a chance encounter with the local Malayali community at his church marked a turning point in his life.
His newfound friends never pressed him to learn Malayalam; they would have accepted him without him knowing a single word. But genuine enthusiasm to connect with them led him on the path.
He recollects, “Language became the bridge, but love was the foundation. In learning Malayalam, I found not just words, but a deeper connection with the hearts of the Malayali community.”
Malayalam is not the first ‘foreign’ language he studied. He had the benefit of prior experience in languages including Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and others, says Christopher, who works in the med-tech space.
The techniques he employed weren’t confined to formal lessons. Instead, he embraced the ordinary, finding opportunities in everyday situations to practice his skills. “The kitchen was one of my greatest classrooms for Malayalam!” he chuckles.
Christopher vividly recalls the shy smiles of Mallu uncles and aunties easing into grins every time he asked them, “chaya veno?”. He also remembers the day he was gifted a mundu by some community members, a gesture that was symbolic of acceptance and belonging.
“The gift of a mundu was more than fabric. It epitomised the essence of authentic cultural exchange — an overflow of deep and meaningful personal relationships. This gesture not only deepened my connection with the Malayali community but also strengthened my friendships with my peers. It provided endless topics to relate over, fostering a sense of belonging that transcended geographical boundaries,” he tells South First.
“There are many finer points of the language and culture that were difficult for me to grasp at first,” Christopher confesses. American candour clashed with the subtle nuances of Malayali communication —a cultural tapestry woven with context and unspoken understanding.
Within the folds of Malayali culture, Christopher discovered layers of underlying norms and values that shaped behaviours, a maze he navigated with patience and persistence.
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Over the years, he confronted frequent challenges, each one a stepping stone in his growth. “For me, learning these subtleties wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a profound process of personal evolution,” he admits.
His journey was also full of humorous encounters. “There was one auntie with whom I used to practice speaking the language whenever I would visit her house,” he shares.
“I distinctly remember the shock on her face when I turned to her husband before leaving and said ‘potte, chetta.’ I thought she might faint!” he recalls.
His foray into Instagram was to amuse his longtime Malayali friends. They have known him as their ‘American friend who knows Malayalam’.
“Many of my friends are second-generation migrants and are well familiar with the struggle of navigating a conversation in Malayalam. So I thought I’d have fun with it and make some videos that touched upon the memories we’ve had over the years,” he adds.
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In the ever-changing realm of Instagram content, Chris’s approach is refreshingly unstructured. “I don’t have a particularly structured creative process—I just try and hold onto an idea when it comes and figure out a fun way to present it,” he admits, his spontaneity becoming the hallmark of his posts.
His intention, he emphasises, is to highlight elements of the Malayali culture without degradation. Remarkably, just a few weeks ago when he began sharing his content on his Instagram handle, he had only a few hundred followers. Today, that number has surged to over 28,000.
Through his Instagram chronicles, Chris not only found followers but built a global family. “I’m glad that I’ve been able to bond with so many Malayalis and other Indians around the world over these shared experiences,” he expresses.
“It may sound amusing, but my content is all from my own life, sourced either from first-hand experiences or as a second-hand witness,” Christopher narrates, adding, “I know what a mess a cup of chai makes when you spill it on the stovetop. I know how often my friends would have their parents walk in and remind them to study. And I know how vigorously you must say ‘mathi’ and cover your plate when you are full at dinner,” he laughs.
Chris has embarked on numerous trips to Kerala with his friends, creating a trove of unforgettable memories. One such incident etched in his mind involves an unlikely battle with a massive bug. To fight it, he ingeniously used a toilet spray nozzle, a moment he now chuckles about due to its sheer absurdity.
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“During one hectic journey from Changanassery to Thiruvananthapuram on a packed public bus, the challenges we faced as a group became a tale of endurance. The vivid image of that lengthy trip is still imprinted in my memory. I hadn’t ever experienced anything like that!” he declares.
Amidst these adventures, culinary experiences played a significant role. From relishing his first Sharjah shake to exploring the delectable offerings of roadside thattukadas and enjoying the freshness of sugar cane juice, Chris savoured every moment.
“The majestic mountains of Kasaragod and the serene shores of the Indian Ocean at Vettucaud, along with the enchanting ambience of Kottayam marked by church bells ringing amidst golden paddy fields… I loved it all!,” he says.
Despite his extensive explorations, there are still uncharted territories in Kerala, leaving him with dreams of future adventures. Places like Idukki, Thrissur, and Alappuzha remain on his wish list.
“I don’t know what comes next. For now, I am taking things step by step. I want to use my presence and connections to share things that are important to me, Malayalam content or otherwise,” he shares.
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Beyond the scope of his journey, Christopher envisions a broader purpose. “I also hope that down the line I can help be a point of connection between American and Indian content creators,” he expresses. His dream is to foster connections, to bridge gaps, and to facilitate collaboration. “We have a lot of great and hardworking creators out there, and I would love to see us all benefit from one another,” he says.
The digital realm is often filled with competition, comparison, envy, and harassment that people experience on social media. Chris aims to be a relatable, sane, and encouraging presence in the vast sea of digital voices. “I simply want to infuse positivity into the environment,” he signs off.
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