Bengaluru's Russian influencer lists 8 'cringe' Indian habits that are now her new normal

A Russian woman living in Bengaluru is gaining widespread attention online after sharing a light-hearted Instagram reel that explores eight Indian habits she once found odd—but now embraces fully. Content creator Iuliia Aslamova, who goes by @yulia_bangalore on Instagram, shared her observations in a now-viral video that has sparked both appreciation and debate.

Adjusting to Indian Family Dynamics

One of the most talked-about points in Iuliia’s list was her living arrangement. She revealed that she lives with her in-laws, something she initially found unusual but now considers a blessing.

According to her, not having to handle household responsibilities on her own is a huge advantage. This sparked mixed reactions online, with some users noting that foreign daughters-in-law may be treated differently by Indian families, while others appreciated her positive outlook.


From Table Manners to Time Management

Another shift in Iuliia’s daily life involves how she eats. She said she now prefers eating with her hands, adding that doing so enhances the taste of food—something she believes is even backed by science. Her comfort with India’s relaxed approach to punctuality was also highlighted.

Iuliia shared that she’s gotten used to people being 15 to 20 minutes late and now plans accordingly, describing the change as completely normal in her new environment.

Help at Home and Learning the Language
Iuliia also discussed how common it is to have multiple domestic helpers in India. While it initially struck her as strange, she now views it as a smart way to manage daily tasks and admits it’s made life more comfortable. Her adaptation includes picking up Hinglish—a blend of Hindi and English—and she expressed a clear intention to learn Hindi fluently within the next year or two.

Mastering the Art of Negotiation
A particularly notable cultural skill Iuliia has developed is negotiation. She described it as a "superpower" she’s acquired in India, explaining that this everyday practice has significantly improved her communication skills, both in the marketplace and in general interactions.

Love, Chai, and Emotional Connections
Rounding out her list, Iuliia touched on her love for masala chai—tea blended with milk and spices—which she compared to the traditional tea from her native Mongolia. She also observed how love plays a central role in Indian life, from films to family conversations. She finds this emotional richness heartwarming, though she admitted that it can sometimes turn into unnecessary drama.

Mixed Reactions Online
The reel has amassed tens of thousands of likes and numerous comments. While most viewers applauded her open-minded embrace of Indian culture, some shared critical perspectives, suggesting her experience might differ from that of an Indian woman. Still, many appreciated the warmth and relatability in her content. One commenter remarked that India is all about “love and laughs,” while another praised her for absorbing the country’s “true spirit.”