“They say life in India is soooo cheap… Also, my basic monthly expenses in Gurugram.” With that eyebrow-raising opener, Russian expat Viktoriia Kovan set Instagram abuzz. In a now-viral video (which has over 2 million views so far), she breaks down her so-called “basic” lifestyle costs that includes Rs 1.2 lakh on rent for a 1BHK apartment, Rs 15,000 on electricity, Rs 40,000 on groceries, Rs 30,000 on shopping, Rs 20,000 on medicines and around Rs 1,000 per Uber Black ride.
Her caption read, “Real facts, prepare your pockets to maintain a good lifestyle in Gurgaon.” After a wave of backlash, Viktoriia clarified, “I’m not complaining, just giving facts. To maintain a good lifestyle, you need to prepare your pockets.”
Internet has a lot to say
Unsurprisingly, the internet had plenty to say. Some scoffed at her choices. “Maybe take a regular Uber instead of Black?” suggested one user. Another chimed in, “Living an ultra luxury lifestyle then complaining about the city being expensive!!” A third pointed out, “You’re generalising by citing one of the priciest cities in India.”
Yet others came armed with humor. When Viktoriia explained her Rs 20,000 monthly medical bill, one user quipped, “Medicine 20,000? What are you suffering from?” Replying to the comment, Kovan said, “air pollution”.
Luxury lifestyle is expensive, indeed
Many agreed – expensive lifestyles aren’t India’s fault. “Everywhere in the world, it’s expensive to live a luxury life,” wrote one. Another joked, “None of these expenses are ‘basic’ looooool.” Throughout the debate, Viktoriia stood her ground with grace (and a wink), “I clearly wrote ‘my basic expenses,’ it’s about my experience in India.”
Clearly riding the viral wave, Viktoriia seems to be having a blast capitalising on her newfound fame. In another cheeky video, she playfully revealed how she manages that jaw-dropping “Rs 1.2 lakh rent” in Gurugram — by selling roses on the roadside to commuters for Rs 100 a piece.