In the heart of London, where the skyline is dotted with towering buildings and the streets buzz with energy, there’s an unexpected tale of frustration and bewilderment that has caught the attention of thousands. An Indian man, Aryan Bhattacharya, recently posted a video on Instagram detailing his living situation in the British capital.
His video, which quickly went viral, shows the condition of his rented flat in London, where he pays an eye-watering Rs 1 Lakh (approximately £1,000) per month. However, instead of showcasing the charm of a well-maintained, high-end property in one of the most expensive cities in the world, Aryan’s flat appears to resemble the uncomfortable and dilapidated conditions often associated with chawls back home in India.
In his video, Aryan, who is originally from India, expresses his frustration with the state of his living space. With water leaking from the ceiling, he’s had to place utensils underneath the “waterfall” to collect the drops, a situation he claims would not be resolved quickly due to the unavailability of plumbers during the night.
His use of the term “chawl ka feeling” captures the sense of disappointment and disillusionment he feels despite paying a significant rent. His video has since garnered over 400,000 views and sparked debates on the nature of living conditions in London, especially for newcomers, expats, and young professionals.
The Reality of Renting in London: Expensive and Sometimes Inadequate
London’s reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world is not a mere exaggeration. The city is a global hub, attracting people from across the globe who are drawn by the promise of career opportunities, vibrant culture, and diverse communities. However, this comes at a steep price—particularly in the housing sector.
It’s no secret that rent in London is notoriously high, especially in central and sought-after areas. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city can easily exceed £1,500 per month, with prime locations commanding even higher prices.
For those like Aryan, who live in less luxurious or more affordable neighborhoods, the experience is far from glamorous. Even though they may not be paying the exorbitant prices of central London, they still face significant living costs for subpar accommodations.
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In many cases, these flats may appear to be in good shape when viewed from the outside or in photos online. However, once tenants move in, they are often confronted with issues such as poor maintenance, leaking ceilings, inefficient plumbing, and inadequate heating.
For Aryan, the water leaking into his flat was an inconvenience that became emblematic of a larger issue: the compromised standards of housing that many renters in London experience, despite the high rent they pay.
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For people who are new to the city or unfamiliar with its housing market, the shock of renting in London can be overwhelming. The gap between the cost of rent and the quality of living often leads to a sense of frustration, disappointment, and even resentment.
This is where the experience of living in a “chawl” in India comes into the picture. Chawls, which are often cramped, overcrowded, and poorly maintained residential buildings, have long been associated with substandard living conditions.
Aryan’s use of the phrase “chawl ka feeling” humorously, yet bitterly, conveys his disillusionment with paying a high rent for an apartment that offers him little more than the discomfort he might associate with a run-down building back home.
The Struggle of Young Professionals in Expensive Cities
Aryan’s frustration with his living conditions isn’t unique. He represents a growing number of young professionals and newcomers to London who face similar challenges.
The high cost of living in the city has forced many people to make compromises when it comes to their living spaces. It’s common to see young individuals, especially in their late 20s and early 30s, living with roommates or in shared accommodations in an effort to manage the soaring rent prices.
For many, sharing a flat or apartment is the only viable option to make ends meet. While living with roommates can offer a sense of community and shared responsibility, it also comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, the lack of privacy, differences in lifestyle, and, at times, the discomfort of sharing a small living space can exacerbate the feeling of dissatisfaction.
Many young professionals are forced to make these sacrifices just to be able to live in the city where they work, often struggling to balance the demands of their careers with the realities of an expensive and sometimes inhospitable housing market.
This pressure also affects individuals like Aryan, who are balancing a new life in a foreign country with the pressures of making a living. The challenges of adjusting to a new city, dealing with cultural differences, and finding a stable social network can be overwhelming enough.
On top of that, when the physical space where you live is uncomfortable or poorly maintained, it adds another layer of stress and frustration. The video Aryan posted highlights the stark contrast between the image of London as a thriving, glamorous city and the reality of the day-to-day struggles that many renters face in terms of housing quality.
The Online Reactions: A Mix of Sympathy and Criticism
Since posting the video, Aryan has received a flood of reactions from people all over the world. His post has sparked a mix of sympathy and criticism, with some users expressing their understanding of the difficulties of renting in London, while others have been less forgiving.
Many viewers have empathized with Aryan’s situation, acknowledging the reality of living in London. Some suggested that he should contact the local council or rent tribunal to address the issue of substandard housing, as landlords are legally required to maintain rental properties to a certain standard.
Others shared their own experiences of dealing with similar issues in their flats, with one person recalling a bathroom leak that persisted for days before being repaired. These stories reflect the widespread frustration that many renters in London feel, particularly when it comes to dealing with poor housing conditions.
However, there has also been criticism directed at Aryan for complaining about his situation. Some users pointed out that London’s high cost of living is well known, and people who choose to live there should be prepared for the challenges that come with it.
“You CHOSE to go to the UK despite knowing it is expensive to live there. Accept and work on your lifestyle or return to your home country if it is a problem for you,” wrote one user, reflecting the sentiment of those who believe that complaining about high living costs is unproductive, especially when the decision to live in London is a personal one.
The criticism reflects a broader societal belief that individuals should take responsibility for their choices, even when those choices come with hardship. While it’s valid to point out that living in a city like London requires financial and personal sacrifices, it’s also important to acknowledge the real issues that come with high rent and poor living conditions.
The debate on Aryan’s video highlights the complex relationship between personal responsibility and the structural issues that contribute to the high cost of living in major urban centers.
Aryan Bhattacharya’s viral video about his flat in London has opened a window into the frustrations and challenges that many renters face in the city. While London offers immense opportunities and attractions, it also comes with a significant price tag.
For young professionals, newcomers, and expats, the high cost of rent and the prevalence of substandard living conditions can make life in the city feel like a constant compromise.
As debates continue about the quality of housing in London and other major cities, it’s clear that the issues raised by Aryan’s video resonate with many people struggling to find affordable, comfortable places to live in a city that is known for both its charm and its exorbitant living costs.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏