Kingly Ambitions: Bastian Karim Talks Flourishing Career, Banner Year

Bastian Karim describes his roots as “humble.” He grew up in Colombia, where his parents and extended family — which included many women — instilled core values in him. He earned good grades and practiced competitive judo as a teen, which taught him discipline and enabled him to travel all over Colombia. He also participated in theater and musicals, which gave him an early love for performing.

As a young man discovering his sexuality, he found himself drawn to the adult industry, but not just as a fan. He became genuinely intrigued with everything that went on behind the scenes, from production to casting and beyond. Although he considered himself shy and introverted, he felt that having sex on camera would give him a spark he could not find anywhere else. He dreamed of one day starring in such scenes and began learning all he could about breaking into the biz.

“It is incredible how my life has changed since I became a porn actor,” Karim says. “Pornography has not only changed my economic life and that of my family, it has also made me grow personally. It has helped me to accept myself and my defects, face my insecurities, gain self-esteem and be a sensitive and brave person.

“But it is not something achieved when you make your first movie or invent your stage name,” he adds. “It is a process that takes time, years, as you build a name and find your space within the industry.”

Now, with 200-plus scenes under his belt and a vibrant social media following of more than half a million fans, Karim has established himself as an in-demand star for studios ranging from NakedSword to Men.com and Lucas Entertainment.

“I have had so many enriching experiences in this industry,” he shares. “Every day, I meet incredible people from whom I learn many things, but I must mention some that are very important to me. Michael Burling was the first director who gave me the opportunity to do porn. Alter Sin has always believed in my potential and has included me in highly cinematic productions in which I have gotten to play characters with feelings and emotions beyond sex.”

Karim also credits Legrand Wolf with believing in him and bringing him into the fold as an exclusive model for Carnal Media.

Like most talent in today’s creator economy, Karim supplements his studio work by producing his own content to sell on premium social media.

“This is part of what makes a porn performer today,” he underscores. “Platforms like OnlyFans allow us to develop our own creativity. I have very loyal followers who are always there. I don’t just upload sexual content; I also talk to them about my day-to-day life, share what makes me happy or sad, and offer messages of gratitude.”

Karim says he enjoys the interactivity and direct feedback from fans, which has helped him hone a style that he describes as “classic, but strong and forceful,” though he observes that fans also like to see him being passive with men bigger and stronger than him.

“I have a lot of fun creating content featuring situations like teacher and student, step relation dynamics, etc.,” he explains. “I try to be very creative and take advantage of all the spaces and accessories I have access to.”

To meet the demands of his ever-growing fandom, Karim works to stay in good shape, physically and mentally, while also balancing work with fun. On the mental health side, he admits that not taking criticism to heart can be challenging. Though it is an inevitable part of being a public figure, increased exposure has sometimes caused him to struggle with social phobia, and he has even locked himself in his house at times.

“I had paranoia all the time, insomnia and anxiety,” he shares. “I am currently going to a psychologist, which has helped me understand that it is a stage I must go through to continue growing personally. I find that what helps me to be healthy mentally and physically is being in a familiar environment, eating well, running, swimming and meditating.

“I’m very calm generally, though, so I don’t need much to have fun,” Karim continues. “When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my friends, be at home, sleep a lot and eat. I love spending time with my family, watching movies and listening to music.”

He confesses that he works far more than socializes, but says he tries to have fun while doing so and make every shoot a memorable experience. Karim also makes sure to share his good times, both on set and off, via social media, though he readily points out he does not consider himself an expert in the advertising and marketing game, instead letting intuition guide him.

“On Instagram, I am much more modest,” he says. “I only make posts about my day-to-day life with friends and family, a glimpse of behind-the-scenes everyday things. On X.com, I publish all my sexual content without censorship. Currently, I rely on the dedicated accounts my fans have made for making announcements and publicity.”

The adult stardom that Karim so often dreamt of, even with all its ups and downs, is largely marked by highs — and being named XBIZ Europas Gay Performer of the Year in Amsterdam last September was a definite peak, in his estimation.

“It was something incredible and unexpected,” he reflects. “It was the first time I was nominated and I just went to enjoy the event and make contacts. To my surprise, I won, and it was fantastic. It brought me many professional offers soon after and with them, a lot of responsibility. Although an award does not define your talent or potential, it feels very good to be the Gay Performer of the Year. I feel so proud of myself.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, however, Karim has his eye on new goals in 2024. In addition to performing, his exclusive contract with Carnal Media will afford him the chance to direct and be in charge of an entire production. He says he is looking forward to the challenge, and learning from his Carnal Media peers.

“I want to enjoy my time as an actor, establish myself as an icon in the industry, acquire the necessary knowledge to become an outstanding director and always give my best,” he vows. “I plan to be in this industry for many more years. I have a lot of admiration and respect for all the people who are part of it, and I want to contribute something positive and significant.”