A Russian woman who has been living in India for the past three years has sparked a lively online conversation after posting a video debunking common stereotypes about the country. The video, shared on Instagram, has resonated with thousands of viewers for its candid and humorous take on everyday life in India.
The woman, identified as Kseniia Shakirzianova, begins the clip by saying, “So I have been living in India for around three years, and let me clear a few myths.” Filmed casually while she eats a sandwich in a car, the video has crossed 67,000 views and received over 2,000 likes within a short span.
Myths vs everyday reality
In the video, Shakirzianova addresses six assumptions she frequently encountered before moving to India. First, she dismisses the belief that the Indian sun dramatically alters foreigners’ skin tones. Despite warnings that she would be “burnt” by the sun, she says she has not even developed a noticeable tan.
She also challenges the idea that Indian food inevitably leads to weight gain. Contrary to popular belief about oily cuisine, she says her diet has not caused any such change. Another stereotype she addresses is traffic and transport, revealing that she has not ridden a bike even once — not even as a passenger.
With humour, she adds that she does not wear a sari every day, calling it a “shocking” revelation, and clarifies that she has not become “spiritually enlightened” or disappeared into meditation retreats. Finally, she laughs off the assumption that she drinks masala chai five times a day.
A line that struck a chord
The video ends with a line that many viewers found relatable: “India didn’t turn me into a stereotype. It just stayed in India, and I stayed me.” The statement drew praise for capturing the balance between cultural exposure and personal identity.
How social media reacted
The comment section quickly filled with reactions. Some users appreciated her honesty and light-hearted tone, while others noted how her lifestyle mirrors that of many urban Indians today. One user commented that her routine sounded like that of “a normal Indian woman living a modern lifestyle,” while another welcomed her interest in Indian culture without exaggeration.
The video has since become part of a broader online trend where long-term foreign residents share nuanced perspectives on life in India — often challenging both overly romanticised and overly critical narratives.