'I Love Bengaluru': North Indian Influencer Backtracks After Facing Backlash From Karnataka Celebs

After influencer Sugandh Sharma faced backlash for her comments about Bengaluru lacking North Indians, she attempted to mend fences with an "I love Bengaluru" post on Monday. Her earlier remarks sparked significant criticism and a wave of hate comments.

In a previous Instagram Reel, Sharma stated that India's Silicon Valley "would be empty if North Indians leave." She claimed that paying guest accommodations and clubs would be deserted, and that rental incomes would plummet without North Indians. She also remarked that the "beautiful girls who dance to Punjabi music" would vanish from the city.

In a clear reversal, Sharma declared in her latest reel, "I love Bengaluru." She addressed the negativity directed at her "funny, light-hearted comedy reels," emphasizing her respect for the city and its culture as a traveler.

"Look, I'm a traveler. Wherever I go, I try to learn the culture of that place. I have always respected this city, this state, and all of India because I'm a traveler. We all need to have an open mind," she stated.

Sharma also urged people to stop dividing the country "like the Britishers did."

Her earlier remarks prompted criticism from rapper Chandan Shetty and actors Chaithra Achar and Anupama Gowda, who expressed their disapproval on social media.

"Please leave," Shetty commented, accompanied by a folded hands emoji.

Achar added, "If you can actually leave as an experiment and see how Bangalore becomes empty, we're ready to live with that emptiness. Really. Forget all other North Indians; you leave, ma'am, enough for now!"

Gowda wrote, "If you think this is cool, it isn't. You need Bengaluru more than anything else. Your leaving doesn't change our OORU, and we all know you can't leave - if you know, you know."

A local Instagram user also criticised Sharma, offering to "sponsor" her one-way ticket out of the city: "Please don't show us dreams. I can't wait for Bengaluru to be empty. By the way, I can sponsor your one-way ticket. Please leave the city."