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Indian comedian and actor Vir Das, known for his sharp observational comedy and international performances, took to Instagram on Sunday to share what he called “just random Sunday morning Delhi-Mumbai thoughts.” In a series of reflective posts, he opened up about his memories of Delhi, his changing relationship with the city, and small details from his recent corporate visit there.
Memories of Hitchhiking in Delhi
Vir Das began his note by admitting he no longer recognises Delhi the way he once did. Yet, flashes of memories continue to surface. He recalled his days of hitchhiking across the capital, often starting from the Mayur Vihar signal near the Noida gates and making his way to Dhaula Kuan.
“Delhi for a corporate last night. Don’t recognise the city anymore. Once in a while a memory flash pops up. Some round-about where the people we hitchhiked with dropped us off. We’d stand at Mayur Vihar signal, just outside the Noida gates and hitchhike all the way to Dhaulakuan,” he wrote.
The comedian reflected on whether such an experience would even be possible, or safe, in the present day. Yet, he admitted that part of him still looks at Delhi roads with a nostalgic thought: “This would be fun to drive on at night in the Winters.”
Gaffar Market Jeans and Delhi Gymkhana Nights
As his post continued, Vir Das recalled moments of youthful aspiration and awkwardness. He described buying jeans from Gaffar Market and trying to blend in with Delhi kids at the gymkhana on Thursday nights, though he admitted he never quite fit in.
“Now we are passing Ashoka hotel. I remember wearing new jeans from Gaffar market and trying to fit in with Delhi kids on Thursday night at the gymkhana. I never quite did,” he said.
He then shifted to a recent memory of arriving at Taj Mansingh, where he was surprised to find an edible chocolate version of his New York Times review. “Christ that was quick,” he remarked, adding that his manager, meanwhile, had ordered a Nizam roll, ignoring the luxury hotel’s room service menu.
Observations From Munirka
In another passage, Vir Das narrated a striking visual from Munirka. Driving past shops at night, he noticed a woman in her fifties trying on a helmet at a roadside shop, accompanied by her family. A young man, around 19, was helping fit the helmet on her head.
“She wears a yellow salwar kameez, looks like mid fifties, the helmet guy about 19. I wonder what she drives, if she drives, and find myself hoping she does,” he wrote.
Das confessed that this image became the “residual visual” of his Delhi trip. Soon after, he wrapped up his corporate event, caught a few hours of sleep, and flew back to Mumbai.
Flying Back to Mumbai
Vir Das described his flight home with his characteristic mix of humour and nostalgia. Listening to Kailasa’s song Saiyyan as the plane landed, he looked around the almost empty cabin with just a handful of passengers. He overheard young Air India crew members chatting about Portugal, remarking that they were much younger than the planes they worked on.
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Back in Mumbai, he ordered pancakes from his favourite local spot, only to realise he no longer knew where to get good pancakes in Delhi. “Used to. Don’t anymore. That means something,” he wrote, ending his reflection on a bittersweet note.
Vir Das and His Storytelling
Vir Das has often used storytelling as a tool in both his comedy and social media presence. With an Emmy-winning Netflix comedy special Vir Das: For India and numerous international tours, he balances sharp political commentary with personal narratives. His Sunday post gave fans a glimpse into his softer, nostalgic side, blending humour with lived experiences of growing up in Delhi and adapting to life between cities.
