‘Lot of risks, zero benefits’: This high-rise painter earns ₹35,000 monthly, video sparks debate

He shares details about his family, saying his brother serves in the Indian Army (Image source: @saniya.mirzzaa/Instagram)

A video featuring a conversation between a painter working at a high-rise building and a resident of the apartment has shaken the stereotype that white-collar jobs offer more income than manual labour. In the viral reel, posted on Instagram by a user, Saniya Mirza, the man, who holds a degree and other professional qualifications, says that he earns ₹35,000 a month from painting and Rs 10 lakh annually from farming.

The viral reel begins with Mirza striking up a light-hearted conversation with the painter, who is seen working secured by a safety harness.

Mirza asks the worker whether wearing the harness causes back pain and jokingly suggests that he must be earning well, given the risk involved. The painter, engrossed in his work, responds matter-of-factly that he feels no pain and earns “Rs 35,000” per month. His answer leaves Mirza stunned.

He further shares details about his family, saying his brother serves in the Indian Army while his sister works with the Bihar Police. Beyond his painting job, the man explains that he is also involved in agriculture. When Mirza asks whether farming brings in more income than his siblings’ jobs, he replies that he earns nearly “Rs 10 lakh annually” from selling sugarcane.

The video has since gone viral, igniting a conversation around employment opportunities in India. “I had sympathy for these people now I have jealousy,” a user wrote. “People often consider success with just the amount of money they are earning. But they ignore the lifestyle, social life, education, safety, or other regularities,” another user commented.

“Everyone is just looking at pay, but no one is seeing his hard work and risk of life,” a third user reacted. “This job has a lot of risks and zero benefits. This is not a joke,” a fourth user chimed in.