A video from Mumbai featuring an auto-rickshaw driver discussing his daily earnings has gone viral on social media, leaving many viewers surprised and sparking a debate about income, job choices and the rising cost of living in the city.
The clip shows a conversation between a content creator and an auto driver about how expensive it is to live in Mumbai. What caught people’s attention, however, was the driver’s claim about his average daily earnings.
Auto driver says he earns Rs 2,500 per day
In the video, the man begins by discussing how costly life in Mumbai can be. During the conversation, the auto driver responds that while the city is expensive, it also offers opportunities to earn.
“So meri abhi bhaiya se baat ho rahi thi, main bol raha tha ki Mumbai shehar bada mehnga hai. Toh wo kehte hai ki mehnga par yahan paisa bhi bahut hai, bas pakadne wale ki dikkat hai,” the man says in the video.
The driver then reveals that he earns around Rs 2,500 per day on average after expenses, a statement that leaves the interviewer visibly surprised.
When calculated over a month, the amount comes to roughly Rs 75,000, prompting the interviewer to remark that he did not earn that much even after completing his engineering degree and starting his first job.
Video sparks debate over ‘success’ and income
The video also carries an overlay caption that reads:
“In India, a Rs 30,000 job is considered respectable. An auto driver earning Rs 75,000 isn’t. Strange definition of success.”
The clip quickly gained traction online, accumulating close to a million views and generating thousands of reactions across social media platforms.
Many users joked about quitting corporate jobs to drive auto-rickshaws in Mumbai.
Internet reacts with humour and curiosity
Social media users responded with a mix of humour, curiosity and debate.
One user commented jokingly, “Bhaiya ke paas team member ki vacancy hai kya?” (Does he have a vacancy for a team member?)
Another user wrote, “Maa… autowali banna hai mujhe!” (Mom, I want to become an auto driver.)
Some viewers suggested that auto drivers in major cities can indeed earn substantial amounts due to the constant demand for transport services.
Others joked about combining a corporate job with driving an auto as a side hustle, asking whether that would be considered “moonlighting”.
Viewers highlight reality behind the earnings
While the video generated excitement, some users also pointed out that such income figures may not tell the complete story.
One comment noted that while auto drivers may earn more in some months, the job involves long hours on busy roads, exposure to heat and traffic, and uncertain daily income.
