‘Bangalore Is Slowly Killing Us’: Why The Zindagified Couple Leaving India’s Startup Capital Over Air Pollution

Bengaluru has long been referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” renowned for its lush green spaces, pleasant weather, and startup-friendly atmosphere. However, for entrepreneur-influencer couple Aswin and Aparna, aka Zindagified, who built their personal and professional lives in the city, the reality turned out to be very different. After spending two years in Bengaluru, the couple made the shocking decision to move out permanently, citing unhealthy air quality as the main reason. Their Instagram video sharing this decision quickly went viral, pulling in nearly a million views and sparking a storm of reactions across social media.

“Bangalore Is Slowly Killing Us”

In their now-viral video, the couple makes a strong statement: “You might hate us, but Bangalore is slowly killing us and no one sees it coming.”

Both 27, Aswin and Aparna (Zindagified) are corporate professionals who leapt from being classmates in 2014 to becoming business partners and life partners by 2024. While the city supported their entrepreneurial growth, they say it came at a massive personal cost.

“We loved the vibe. The people. The food. But we didn’t know what we were breathing every day,” they say.

The Hidden Danger in the Air

The couple points to the Air Quality Index (AQI) in February, which shot up to 297, a level classified as “very unhealthy” and almost reaching “hazardous”. They said this prolonged exposure was taking a serious toll on their health.

“People say Bangalore has fresh air and great weather, but does it really?” asks Aparna in the video.

They admitted that if they had known about the pollution earlier, they would’ve left the city much sooner.

A City They Still Admire

Interestingly, the couple holds no grudge against Bengaluru itself. They describe it as a fantastic place to launch a startup.

“Namma Bengaluru is amazing. Even to start a business, it’s the best place to be,” they say.

But despite this admiration, they made the difficult choice to leave the city “before it could sink us in.” Their message is clear, no professional success is worth risking your health.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

Their video, filled with raw honesty, led to a split in public opinion.

• Some supported their move, sharing similar experiences:
  “Thank you for speaking the truth. I faced the same issues. After 3 years of constant headaches, I left and I’m so much happier now.”
• Others sarcastically approved:
  “Bengalurians are actually happy with your decision. Please inspire more people to leave.”
• Some netizens defended the city, calling for unity and action:
  “We should all own the city and fight for better air and infrastructure, instead of fighting over the North and South divides.”

The pollution issue isn’t new; even Bryan Johnson walked out of Nikhil Kamath’s podcast because of it.
Read the full story here.

Classmates to Entrepreneurs: Their Journey

Aswin and Aparna’s journey began in 2014 as classmates, culminating in their roles as entrepreneurs in India’s largest startup city. In their own words, this was one of their biggest life lessons: From 2014 to 2024, from classmates to entrepreneurs, and this is what they learned to start their businesses! They began their influencer journey through their Instagram handle, Zindagified, a couple of years ago, and their story is not just about leaving a city; it’s about finding a new one. It’s about choosing health and balance over hustle. And perhaps a wake-up call for millions living in India’s rapidly growing urban hubs.

A Startup Dream That Couldn’t Breathe Anymore

While Bengaluru continues to attract techies, dreamers, and entrepreneurs from across India, this Zindagified couple’s exit reveals a harsh truth: growth comes with costs, and sometimes, those costs are invisible until they become apparent.