'Stop villainizing Bengaluru...': Viral video shows what happens when you speak Hindi instead of Kannada in Bangalore, internet can't keep calm

Time of India

5 days ago

Bengaluru, India's tech hub, grapples with linguistic harmony. A video by Deesha Umesh highlights biases faced by Hindi speakers. The satire sparks debate about language, identity, and acceptance. Deesha, a Gujarati doctor raised in Bengaluru, uses humor to address cultural sensitivities. Public reactions are divided, reflecting the complexities of migration and respect. The video encourages dialogue in the diverse city.
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Who Is Deesha Umesh?
Reactions from the Public: Divided but Thoughtful
Bengaluru, often dubbed India's tech capital, is more than a hub of innovation and start-ups. It's also a melting pot of cultures, where people from every corner of the country come together to live, work, and build new lives. But beneath this vibrant blend lies a sensitive, long-running discussion around language, identity, and acceptance.In a city where both Kannada and Hindi speakers coexist in large numbers, the question of linguistic harmony, and sometimes tension, remains part of everyday life. And now, a playful yet pointed video has brought this topic right back into the spotlight.The video in question, shared on Reddit and Instagram, is titled 'What North Indians Think Bangaloreans Do Every Day.' Created by content creator Deesha Umesh, it uses humour to explore the subtle biases that language can invite in a culturally diverse city like Bengaluru.In the video, Deesha plays an over-the-top version of a local Bengalurean who seems unusually hostile towards anyone speaking in Hindi. For instance, she acts friendly and helpful when addressed in Kannada, but flips to rude and dismissive the moment someone switches to Hindi. One scene has her offering mangoes at Rs 50, only to charge Rs 500 when a Hindi-speaking customer approaches. In another moment, she coldly ignores a request for directions in Hindi, but warmly embraces someone who apologises in Kannada after bumping into her.While clearly exaggerated for effect, the sketch ends with a strong message: language often becomes more than just a way to communicate, it can shape how people treat one another.Interestingly, the woman behind this viral satire isn't a native Kannada speaker herself. Deesha Umesh is a Gujarati-born doctor, raised entirely in Bengaluru, who has now turned into a full-time content creator. Known for her fluent Kannada and down-to-earth content, she has amassed a following of over 230,000 people on Instagram. Her viral video has already racked up more than 380,000 likes across platforms, drawing applause for both its wit and cultural insight.The comment sections under the post became a space for reflection. Some users resonated deeply with the message, sharing personal experiences. One said, 'Many Hindi-speaking people born in Bengaluru still avoid learning the local language.' Others argued the portrayal was too extreme, insisting they had never faced such behaviour. A few even called it out as an overblown narrative, while others shared unsettling stories of being excluded or ignored for speaking in Hindi.The wide range of responses proves one thing: this conversation is far from over.At its core, the video touches on the emotional layers of migration, belonging, and respect. Bengaluru has always been welcoming, but like any rapidly growing city, it has had to reckon with the challenges that come with diversity, especially when it comes to language. While humour can't fix deep-seated issues, it often helps open doors for more honest dialogue.As people from across India continue to make Bengaluru their home, one thing remains clear: understanding, respect, and a few words in the local language can go a long way.Inputs from TOI