A chance encounter between two digital creators on a bustling Mumbai street has sparked widespread discussion about the soaring cost of renting in the city. Influencer Arya Kothari approached fellow content creator Muskan Ranka for a casual on-camera chat that soon turned into a conversation about housing expenses. The interaction took an interesting turn when Ranka invited Kothari to visit her apartment in Bandra, offering viewers an inside look at her living space. The video, shared online, quickly gained traction and ignited debate over the financial realities of urban living in Mumbai’s premium neighbourhoods.
During the conversation, when asked about her monthly rent, Ranka responded humorously, saying it was “almost equivalent to the price of my two kidneys,” a remark that instantly grabbed viewers’ attention. She later clarified that she pays ₹1.11 lakh per month, inclusive of maintenance charges, for her 630-square-foot two-bedroom apartment in Bandra. Ranka lives alone in the flat while pursuing her career as a full-time content creator and actor. Her candid revelation about the rent prompted many to reflect on how expensive even moderately sized homes have become in Mumbai.
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Addressing the obvious question about affordability, Ranka estimated that an individual would need a monthly income ranging between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2 lakh to sustain such a lifestyle comfortably in Mumbai. Although she chose not to disclose her own earnings, explaining that her chartered accountant advised her to keep financial matters private, she acknowledged that managing expenses in the city requires substantial income. Her remarks highlighted the financial pressure associated with independent living in upscale localities and underscored the growing gap between earnings and housing costs.
The apartment tour offered viewers a detailed look at her tastefully arranged home, designed in soothing shades of white and beige. The living area prominently features professional lighting equipment and a ring light, which Ranka described as essential tools for producing digital content. The flat comprises two bedrooms, a compact yet efficient kitchen, and a small balcony—an amenity often considered a luxury in Mumbai due to limited space. The overall layout reflects a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal suited to her profession.
Internet Reacts:
One user commented, "It’s definitely not 600sq ft." Another user wrote, "It’s very expensive living in Mumbai I’m literally living on the edge” then do you need 2 bedrooms for a single person?" Another user wrote, "1,11,000 rent per month… and ₹2 lakh for comfortable living? How? Is comfort on EMI too?"
The video triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users debating various aspects of the property and its cost. Some viewers questioned whether the apartment truly measured 630 square feet, prompting Kothari to clarify in the comments that the wide-angle camera lens may have made the space appear larger. Others discussed whether renting a two-bedroom apartment for a single person was practical, while several users expressed surprise at the income required to live comfortably in Mumbai, reigniting conversations about the city’s steep housing market.