The viral Instagram post sparked a larger conversation about men’s emotional well-being and the burden of being the primary breadwinner in Indian households. The video shared by the maker director-dayal is titled “Gareeb beta toh maa-baap ko bhi achha nahi lagta” and has reached thousands of people online.
In the short clip, Dayal recounts the incident just three days after he quit his job and returned to his family home from another city. He remembers how things felt different when he was earning – a time when he felt appreciated for his contribution. Something as simple as his mother offering him extra rotis for dinner made him feel appreciated, he says.
But, according to him, this warmth faded as soon as he stopped supporting the family financially. Dayal shares that when he recently asked for two extra rotis, his father instructed his mother matter-of-factly, “He is asking for two more rotis, give them to him.” The change, he says, made him feel invisible.
Through his emotional monologue, Dayal questions why respect and affection for men is often linked to their income.
“If you don’t earn, no one respects you – not even your family,” he says in the video. “Make money… Because if you don’t have it, nothing else matters.”
The video elicited a wide range of reactions – from empathy to uncomfortable agreement. Many men have admitted that they, too, have felt that love has been replaced by judgment during financial setbacks.
“That’s the reality – a person’s worth is measured by how much they give,” wrote one user.
Another famous quote from comedian Chris Rock:
“Only women, children and dogs are loved unconditionally. A man is loved only on the condition that he provides something.”
During the intense discussion, several viewers offered support and encouragement to the creator.
“Started following you from today. I’m sure I’ll see you rise higher than ever. All the best,” read the comment.
“This phase will pass. Keep going,” wrote another.
The video not only went viral, but also opened up a sensitive dialogue: how often are men allowed to be vulnerable – especially within the walls of their own homes?
