In this episode of Licensed to Explore with Rohit, Rohit Khubchandani sits down with Vlada Bulhakova, widely known as “Not Your Local Habibi” — a Dubai-based creator, actress, and viral storyteller carving her path from social media to the screen.

Born in Ukraine and now living in Dubai, Vlada shares her journey from theatre performances in South Africa to building a massive global audience on TikTok and Instagram. With viral collaborations alongside global brands like Pepsi, Visit Abu Dhabi, and leading beauty and fashion houses, she opens up about fame, creativity, ambition, and the realities behind online success.

This conversation explores acting dreams, digital identity, travel, lifestyle, and what it truly takes to turn short-form content into long-term career momentum — all while staying authentic in a fast-moving industry.

💥 In this episode:

• From theatre to TikTok — Vlada’s acting journey
• Building a global audience through short-form video
• Life as a creator in Dubai• Behind the scenes of viral brand collaborations
• Fame, pressure & staying authentic
• Using social media as a gateway to acting

📍 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Anghami & Deezer

🎧 Exclusively hosted on Podeo

🔗 Connect with Vlada Bulhakova

Instagram: @notyourlocalhabibi

TikTok: @notyourlocalhabibi

🎙️ Host: Rohit Khubchandani

Instagram: @rkbond007

TikTok: @rkbond_007

YouTube: @rkbond007

LinkedIn: Rohit Khubchandani

Website: www.rohitkhubchandani.com