Mahesh Keshwala Biography: India’s Roasting Sensation

Mahesh Keshwala, born September 9, 1996, in Mumbai, India, is a popular YouTuber, model, and social media influencer known as Thugesh. With over 7 million YouTube subscribers, he captivates audiences with witty roasts and vlogs. This Mahesh Keshwala biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his rise to digital fame.

Mahesh Keshwala’s Early Life

Mumbai Roots and Modest Beginnings

Born into a middle-class Hindu family in Thane, Mumbai, Mahesh Keshwala grew up with his parents in a modest household. His father worked a private job, while his mother was a homemaker. As an only child, he learned independence early, working at 16 to support himself. He loved cricket, playing at the district level at Azad Maidan.

Education and Early Hustle

Mahesh attended St. Xavier’s English High School, completing his schooling in 2012. He earned a B.Com in Accounting from K.J. Somaiya College and studied at VPM TMC Law College while training as a Company Secretary. However, his passion for acting and modeling led him to pursue creative ventures over a traditional career.

Mahesh Keshwala’s Career Growth

YouTube Beginnings

In 2014, Mahesh Keshwala launched his YouTube channel, initially named Top 10 India, posting celebrity compilations. His 2019 Ultimate Chris Gayle Thug Life Compilation marked his shift to “Thug Life” content, blending his name with “thug” to create Thugesh. By 2020, his roasting videos on Bigg Boss and influencers gained millions of views.

Expanding Digital Empire

Mahesh now runs four YouTube channels: Thugesh (7 million subscribers), Thugesh Unfiltered (2.2 million), Thugesh Shorts (2.8 million), and Thugesh Show Clips (249k). His 2023 talk show, The Thugesh Show, inspired by Jimmy Fallon, and 2024’s Lafda Central boosted his fame. Collaborations with creators like Elvish Yadav and roles in music videos like Mukammal (2021) showcase his versatility.

Struggles and Down Phases

Modeling Setbacks

Mahesh pursued modeling, winning titles like Mr. University India and walking for Pune Fashion Week. However, unfair treatment and low pay for male models led to depression, prompting him to quit. Early YouTube efforts also struggled, with his Top 10 India channel failing to gain traction, leaving him disheartened.

YouTube Challenges

In 2014, his channel faced demonetization due to copyright issues, halting his income. Negative feedback on early facecam videos, including ghost story content, led him to delete videos and pause uploading. Financial struggles forced him to work low-paying jobs, like a ₹150 daily ball machine operator role and a call center job, while studying.

Comeback and Rise to Fame

Despite challenges, Mahesh rebounded during the 2020 lockdown. His TikTok vs. YouTube controversy video went viral, gaining 5 lakh to 1 million subscribers in a month. His Bigg Boss roast video became a hit, cementing his place in India’s roasting community. His 2023 Bigg Boss OTT appearance to support Abhishek Malhan and 2024 Forbes India Top 100 Digital Stars ranking marked his rise.

Current Status and Influence

Digital and Cultural Impact

As of June 2025, Mahesh Keshwala boasts a net worth of ₹3.2–10 crore, earning ₹25–43 lakh monthly from YouTube and sponsorships. His 1.8 million Instagram followers and 12 million combined YouTube subscribers reflect his influence. He plans a 2025 web series and new music video collaborations, keeping fans excited.

Personal Life and Passions

Mahesh is reportedly in a long-term relationship with Jigisha Bhanushali but keeps his personal life private, claiming single status in videos to maintain his fanbase. He enjoys cricket, gym workouts, and admires Arnold Schwarzenegger. His friendships with creators like Lakshay Chaudhary strengthen his digital presence. He owns a Hyundai Creta and Royal Enfield, reflecting his success.

Lesser-Known Facts

• First Job: Earned ₹150 daily as a ball machine operator.
• Cricket Star: Played district-level cricket in Mumbai.
• Modeling Win: Titled Mr. University India.
• Viral Hit: Gained 1 million subscribers in 2020 lockdown.
• Car Collection: Owns a ₹15 lakh Hyundai Creta.

Category	Details
Full Name	Mahesh Keshwala
Born	September 9, 1996, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Profession	YouTuber, Model, Actor, Social Media Influencer
Notable Work	Thugesh, The Thugesh Show, Lafda Central, Mukammal
Marital Status	Unmarried (2025)
Net Worth	~₹3.2–10 crore ($400k–1.2 million, 2025)
Awards	Forbes India Top 100 Digital Stars (2024)

Conclusion

This Mahesh Keshwala biography traces a journey of resilience and creativity. From a struggling model in Mumbai to a YouTube roasting sensation, Mahesh Keshwala overcame demonetization and early failures to build a ₹10 crore empire as Thugesh. His witty content, 2025 web series plans, and influence on millions prove hard work and adaptability can turn dreams into reality.