Vir Das shares his candid conversation with us-based IIT graduate chauffeur: "Tasalli Nahin Hai"

Vir Das

Comedian and actor Vir Das recently recounted a poignant interaction with an Indian scientist in the U.S. who, after being laid off, is now working as a chauffeur.

Vir took to Instagram to share an anecdote of his conversation with him. He wrote in the post, “The black lane driver picks me up from the San Jose baggage claim. Nice guy. Not a great driver. You can tell he’s uncomfortable behind a wheel. Or at least new behind it. He’s Indian. We start talking. I try to speak to people I find abroad in Hindi, it’s like a little quick cure for homesickness for both of us. We talk about America, I say “hard work here”, he laughs and nods knowingly. He says “tasalli nahin hai”, he laughs and nods knowingly.”

The cab driver revealed that he is an IIT Mumbai graduate with a PhD and had worked as a scientist before being laid off a year ago. He explained that he now drives a cab to support himself and make ends meet.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vir Das (@virdas)

“We’re friends now, who will never see each other ever again. We’re at drop off now. I shake his hand and say ‘good luck with everything’. All I can think is - I hope you get to use all of your amazing brain soon, I know first hand it’s heartbreaking to feel like you are more than what you’re doing, and I hope you get to relax soon,” he continued in the post.

Also read: When Dharmendra and Anita Raj's alleged affair during film shoot disturbed Hema Malini

The chauffeur, Ninad Patwardhan, later responded to the post, sharing his joy and gratitude for the encounter. “It was such a beautiful moment. I am the IIT guy. But I love driving an uber too!” he wrote.

Vir Das is currently touring the globe with his "Mind Fool" tour, making stops across every continent except Antarctica in 2023-2024. His latest show was held on November 14 in San Jose, California.