A visit to the majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur usually ends with photos and fond memories, but for a group of US tourists, it ended with a viral PR disaster. A video circulating widely on social media captures the tourists making disparaging remarks about the physical fitness of Indians, asserting that they now understand “why Indians are out of shape.” The clip has sparked a massive backlash, with Indian netizens schooling the visitors on work culture, privilege, and the meaning of the Hindi slang vella (idle/loafer).
What Happened at Amber Fort?
The video, reportedly filmed at the popular tourist destination in Jaipur, shows foreign tourists seemingly observing locals—likely porters, guides, or other visitors navigating the fort’s steep ramps. One tourist audibly comments that this observation explains why the Indian population is allegedly out of shape, implying a lack of physical exertion or fitness culture.
The comment reeks of the stereotypical “foreign gaze” that reduces a complex, diverse population to a single, judgmental observation. While the tourists likely intended it as casual banter, it quickly spiralled into a conversation about cultural insensitivity and the ignorance of short-term visitors to a country with vastly different socio-economic realities.
The Internet’s Epic Clapback
What the tourists didn’t anticipate was the rapid and fierce response from Indian social media users. The backlash wasn’t just anger; it was a mix of wit, fact-checking, and a defence of the Indian work ethic.
One of the most viral responses centred on the term “Vella.”
For the uninitiated, vella is a popular Hindi slang term used to describe someone who has nothing to do—someone with leisure time. Netizens pointed out the irony of tourists, who are essentially on vacation (the ultimate vella time), judging locals who are often engaged in physically demanding labour or navigating the fort while on tight schedules.
Internet’s Powerful Counter-Narrative
Netizens flooded platforms with evidence-rich rebuttals:
✅ “We have Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu—Olympic champions born from Indian soil.”
✅ “Yoga originated here. Millions climb temple steps daily. Don’t confuse tourism with truth.”
✅ “Street vendors carry 20kg loads uphill. Farmers work 12-hour days. Your lens is limited.”
✅ “Travel to learn, not to judge. Respect is non-negotiable.”
Travel ethics expert Dr Meera Nair notes:
“Responsible tourism means observing without judging. India’s diversity—from Himalayan trekkers to Kerala boat-rowers—defies single-story narratives. True travelers leave bias at the border.”
As one viral comment beautifully summarised:
“We welcome you with ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’ Please honor us with respect. Not all Indians fit your lens—and not all travelers lack grace.”
As one popular comment summed up:
“Come for the history, stay for the opinions, but leave the judgment at the airport. We aren’t ‘vella’ like you; we are busy building a country.”
