The Government of India on Monday banned 59 mobile apps, including TikTok, the Chinese app that is very popular among youngsters in India. While many lauded the move, given the anti-China sentiment following the Galwan face-off in which 20 India soldiers died, many ‘TikTok stars’ find themselves at sea with their tool to stardom snatched away from them.

Speaking to Opoyi, TikTok sensation Amayra Dongre, who has more than 431 K followers, said, “This news has disappointed me. Looking at the larger picture, it (the ban) is a very good thing but you have to look at the ground level. A lot of people were dependent on TikTok for their earnings, just like me. All of a sudden, I have lost everything. I am still hoping that things will be fine and it will be back.”

Banning TikTok has affected people like Amayra Dongre who were dependent on it for their earnings

The 19-year old was planning to go abroad for her studies when COVID-19 changed everything. According to her, exploring other options will take time. “Indian apps do not have the required quality and standard needed for my kind of work,” she said.

However, Nagma Mirajkar’s approach was different. The TikTok celebrity, with around 14.4 million followers on the platform, was initially hesitant to talk about the ban. But when prodded, she sounded optimistic and said that she would not let her talent go waste.

TikTok star Nagma Mirajkar says banning the app won’t stop her from entertaining fans

“I am a creator. I am also active on all the social media platforms. There are a lot of fans who will watch me for my content, so it’s okay. It is our job to entertain; we can do it from anywhere.”

Another TikTok star, who did not want to be named, told Opoyi, she had no idea what the future had in store.  “If the government has done this, it is for our good. I have that faith in our government,” said the influencer.

TikTok has now been removed from Google Play Store and iOS App Store. The company has issued a statement which says that the app has not breached any privacy policy and can provide clarifications.

The app has had its share of controversy in India over the content posted by users on the app, be it pornographic clips, content hurting religious sentiments or allegations of degrading culture and misleading youngsters.