‘Noida or Bangalore, sab loan par hai’: Viral video exposes harsh truth of EMI-trapped middle-class life in high-rises

A short video shot inside a high-rise society swimming pool has gone viral on Twitter, striking a chord with thousands of urban Indians. The clip, which shows an empty pool while a man’s voice narrates his struggles, highlights the financial pressure many middle-class families face in India’s cities.

The video that hit home

In the video, the man says he rarely has time to use the pool despite living in the upscale society. He explains that most residents in such apartments have taken heavy loans to buy homes and cars. According to him, once the EMIs start, families find themselves locked into a cycle where they cannot quit their jobs, no matter how stressful, because the bank demands monthly payments of ₹60,000–70,000.

“This is the life of the middle class, whether it is Noida, Delhi, Bangalore or anywhere,” he says, adding that the lifestyle is largely financed by debt.

The video has triggered strong reactions online, with many calling it a “truth bomb” about consumerism and modern urban living.

One user wrote, “We can simplify our life by not participating in this mad race. I have a modest house and a car, and nothing on EMIs.”

Another pointed out the risk of financial overreach: “EMI should not be more than 30–40% of take-home pay. The problem starts when people give in to peer pressure and try to live like the rich.”

Some comments even suggested that long-term home loans are deliberately designed to keep middle-class workers tied to their jobs, ensuring steady tax revenues and consumer spending.

Others reflected on the emotional burden: “Once you start an EMI there is no going back. You can’t quit your job even if it is killing you inside.”

A reflection of urban middle-class life

The viral post has tapped into a widespread anxiety among India’s salaried professionals, balancing aspirations of owning a house and car with the reality of mounting debt. While the video was personal, the responses suggest it reflects a shared reality across cities.

For many, the debate boils down to a simple question: is the middle-class dream of a home and a car worth the stress of decades-long financial commitments?