Jyoti Malhotra, an Indian travel vlogger, has ignited a firestorm of criticism for her recent vlog documenting a trip from Shanghai to Beijing. In the video, Malhotra repeatedly flouts local regulations and makes disparaging remarks about the local people. The controversy began with Malhotra boarding a high-speed train and insisting on swapping seats with a fellow passenger, whom she refers to condescendingly as “Cheeni Bhai.” The passenger, visibly confused, complies with her demand.
The vlog continues with Malhotra attempting to secure a ride from a woman on a scooter, who was headed in the opposite direction. Despite the woman’s protests and intervention from a police officer, Malhotra persists and continues recording, speaking only in Hindi. Later, Malhotra is seen boarding buses without purchasing tickets, arguing with the driver, and trying to disembark at non-designated stops.
The video, posted on Malhotra’s YouTube channel a month ago, gained widespread attention after excerpts were shared on X, where it quickly went viral. The post criticized her actions, stating, “High caste YouTuber in China demands a window seat, boards a woman’s scooter without consent, and takes buses without paying.” This sparked intense backlash, with many calling her behavior “disgusting” and “pathetic.”
One user remarked, “Disgusting behavior by an Indian woman!!” while another added, “Completely pathetic behaviour.” Another user commented, “Boorish behaviour. Getting second-hand embarrassment watching this!” The video has garnered over 1.6 million views, highlighting the scale of the outrage.
