A Bengaluru-based couple has stirred a storm online after revealing in a now-viral Instagram video that they’re leaving the city due to worsening air pollution impacting their health. The duo, Aswin and Aparna, both 27, shared that despite their deep affection for the city’s climate, vibe, and community, they had no choice but to move out.
In the clip, they began with the bold statement: “You might hate us, but Bengaluru is slowly killing us.”
Aswin said he developed breathing issues and allergies, while Aparna, who rarely fell sick before, was frequently coughing and sneezing. Even with healthier routines, their condition didn’t improve — prompting them to check the AQI, which reached a concerning 297 in February.
While acknowledging Bengaluru’s appeal for startups and social life, the couple emphasized that their health had to come first. “Before the city could sink us in, we left,” they said.
The video, shared via their Instagram handle @zindagified, has garnered nearly 1 million views, sparking a fiery debate.
Some users criticized them for “overcrowding the city” before pointing fingers at its environment, while others applauded them for prioritizing health and raising awareness about urban pollution.
One comment read: “Stop taking this personally. We need to hold authorities accountable.”
Their story resonates with many facing the urban paradox — can we continue loving a city that’s harming us?