“Life, on the one hand, has become better, and on the other, it has become more complex,” he admits.

“I think people can see I’ve worked hard to create a life for myself that I’m proud of, and I’m very grateful for my fans, and I support them too.”

These days his fans number in the millions, and he regularly treats them to charming snapshots from his life in Dagestan: playing with kittens, posing near cars, and drinking coffee in his office.

“I just like to do my thing; on a normal day, I like to walk in the streets with my friends and socialise with people. I like driving my cars, having fun and always working hard.”

In a world full of influencers flogging a dream that doesn’t exist, Hasbulla keeps it real.

“I love the Ultimate Fighting Championship and football (soccer), as well as freestyle wrestling. I recently started horse riding, and that was fun too!”

The fact that Hasbulla is headlining his own tour to Australia is a testament to how far he’s come in a few short years, but life hasn’t always been easy.

“People are always complaining about things in life, but I try to enjoy every day and do the things I love,” explains Hasbulla. “You really have to stay positive.”

This upbeat optimism has helped endear Hasbulla to fans worldwide while also making him a drawcard for events companies.

“We’ve brought the likes of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal out here, and yet we’ve never had a response like this,” says Chris Tamplin, Co-Founder of The Hour Group, the company facilitating the tour.

“Hasbulla is quite unique, his personality is so infectious, and when he laughs, you can’t help but laugh along.”

Hasbulla doesn’t speak English and so will be accompanied in Australia by a translator, giving fans the chance to hear from him when he arrives for a series of events in Sydney and Melbourne.

“We’re doing photo opportunities, meet and greets, and there will also be a question and answer element with fans, but not in a serious way,” says Tamplin.

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“We will also be touring Shaquille O’Neal at the same time, so we will be bringing Shaq and Hasbulla together for one day only.”

According to The Hour Group, due to Habsulla’s personal and cultural beliefs, the 19-year-old will not allow photos with female guests.

“To our female guests if you would like to attend the meet and greet with Hasbulla, you are welcome to do so, but please acknowledge the limitations of photography,” the organisers said in a statement.

“We understand the disappointment this creates; however, we respectfully acknowledge the cultural and personal beliefs of Hasbulla and have to accommodate his requests accordingly.”

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Hasbulla Visits Down Under, tickets on sale Thursday 9am (AEST) via The Hour Group website.

Le Montage, Sydney, August 29 and 30; Timberyard, Melbourne August 31 and September 1.

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