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IIM grad says he’s stereotyped in India for his looks: ‘Asked if I’m a gym trainer'

An IIM grad and a founder based in Mumbai shared that he often faces stereotypes because of how he looks and dresses up. His share has sparked a discussion.

Updated on: Feb 27, 2025, 12:21:15 IST
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People often form preconceived notions about others based on their appearance and clothing. A founder from Mumbai shared that the same thing happened to him on multiple occasions. His post about his experiences on X has prompted a discussion among people.

A post by an IIM grad about being stereotyped in India has gone viral. (X/@arindam___paul)
A post by an IIM grad about being stereotyped in India has gone viral. (X/@arindam___paul)

“If you look and dress a certain way in India, people stereotype you. Recently an elderly lady in my society asked me if i am a gym trainer . Sometime back, an uncle at Prithvi theatre asked me if I was part of the crew and could help them sit,” Shah wrote.

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“While browsing products at a Decathlon store, someone came and asked Bhaiya gloves kaunse section me milega (Bro, where can I get gloves?). Outside a pub, a young guy came and asked Bhaiya yaha stag entry allowed h kya. And everytime there is a random baggage check at a railway station, I am always checked. It's not so random after all,” he added.

Take a look at the post here:

How did social media react?

Another added, “T-shirt ka color change karo sir.” A third shared, “This is your opportunity to play along and see where it goes. Are you a gym trainer? Yes! Please do more workouts. Are you a part of the crew at club? Yes. Entry is denied for you. Decathon bhaiya? Yes, use cricket gloves. Also, stag entry is allowed if you pay a cover charge of 2000.” A third wrote, “So good side you are fit for any role. Isn't it a compliment?”

According to his LinkedIn bio, Shah completed his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Surat. He then pursued an MBA from IIM Indore. After working in companies like Pidilite and Congnizent, he co-founded Atomberg Technologies Private Limited.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta

Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.

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