Viral Snap of Man with Beedi and Sidney Sheldon Book Captures Mumbai’s Grit

A viral Reddit post showing a Mumbai man with a beedi and a Sidney Sheldon novel sparked widespread discussion. The image's contrast generated diverse reactions, from humorous admiration to concerns about romanticizing poverty.

A striking social media post from the r/mumbai subreddit has ignited conversation about urban life, resilience, and perception in India’s megacity. The viral image -- captioned “A beedi in one hand and Sidney Sheldon in the other — Mumbai for you!” -- shows a man on the streets of Mumbai clutching a traditional beedi and a paperback novel by Sidney Sheldon.

In India, a beedi is a hand-rolled cigarette common across social and economic groups, particularly among those with limited means, due to its low cost and cultural prevalence. The contrasting presence of a popular English thriller author’s book alongside the beedi caught the attention of Reddit users, who weighed in with a wide range of reactions — from admiration to concern.

Many commenters were intrigued by the man’s unconventional pairing of reading and smoking, joking that it made him look like someone with worldly knowledge or a “drink and read” attitude. Some compared him humorously to cultural icons, while others appreciated the candid glimpse into a unique moment in daily city life.

However, the post also sparked deeper discussion about poverty and dignity in urban spaces. Several users expressed discomfort with what they saw as romanticisation of hardship, arguing that the image reflects serious socioeconomic issues faced by many in Mumbai — from homelessness to lack of access to education and support.

Others defended the original poster’s intent, noting that the image simply captured “something strange and unique” without glorifying the subject’s circumstances. Some even suggested creative uses for the story, such as making a short film or podcast around the man’s life and perspective.

Overall, the viral post became a microcosm of Mumbai’s diverse narratives, revealing how a single snapshot can trigger humour, empathy, critique and broader reflection on urban experience.