A Dubai-based Indian travel vlogger has gone viral for something most NRIs can relate to — the shock of returning home and finding India anything but “cheap.” Parikshit Balochi, a radio presenter and content creator, recently posted a candid Instagram video about how the cost of living back home has left him stunned. His witty yet exasperated rant, especially about a cup of tea that set him back Rs 1,000, has already crossed half a million views.
In his video, Balochi confessed that earning in dirhams always gave him the impression that India would be his playground for carefree spending. “I am an NRI, I was not supposed to feel gareeb (poor) in India,” he said, sounding equal parts amused and frustrated. But instead of feeling wealthy, the inflated bills in Mumbai hotels and cafés have made him rethink the entire NRI privilege. Nothing captured his disbelief better than the price of a humble cup of tea. “Rs 1,000 is what we used to put on the stock market when I left India. What is happening?” he joked.
Balochi explained that the unspoken “deal” NRIs had with India was simple — come home, convert dirhams to rupees, and live like royalty. He said that converting dirhams into rupees was supposed to make him feel richer, not leave him shocked. Instead of showing off his wealth, he now jokes that he might actually need flexible payment plans just to survive the trip.
With a mix of satire and genuine worry, Balochi ended his rant by pointing out how much money locals must be managing to spend daily. “Yahan pe logon se puch raha hun, kitna paisa hai bhai tumhare paas,” he said, marvelling at how residents navigate this reality.
In his video, Balochi confessed that earning in dirhams always gave him the impression that India would be his playground for carefree spending. “I am an NRI, I was not supposed to feel gareeb (poor) in India,” he said, sounding equal parts amused and frustrated. But instead of feeling wealthy, the inflated bills in Mumbai hotels and cafés have made him rethink the entire NRI privilege. Nothing captured his disbelief better than the price of a humble cup of tea. “Rs 1,000 is what we used to put on the stock market when I left India. What is happening?” he joked.
Balochi explained that the unspoken “deal” NRIs had with India was simple — come home, convert dirhams to rupees, and live like royalty. He said that converting dirhams into rupees was supposed to make him feel richer, not leave him shocked. Instead of showing off his wealth, he now jokes that he might actually need flexible payment plans just to survive the trip.
With a mix of satire and genuine worry, Balochi ended his rant by pointing out how much money locals must be managing to spend daily. “Yahan pe logon se puch raha hun, kitna paisa hai bhai tumhare paas,” he said, marvelling at how residents navigate this reality.
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