'Indians are very simple people'

Expatriates love Bangalore for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, salubrious environment, food and people. Mohammad Reza Ashnagohar, an expat from Iran, shares her experiences here.

When 25-year-old Mohammad Reza Ashnagohar first came to Bangalore from Iran a few years ago he couldn’t speak a word of English, not to speak of Indian languages.

Conversing with people was his worst fear and finding food of his choice was a nightmare. He found Indian food very spicy and there were very few restaurants in the City serving authentic Iranian cuisine or something even vaguely close to it.

But today, Reza not only speaks fluent English but has also learnt to cook his own food. “I think I socialised and mixed with a lot of people, especially women and that made all the difference.

One of my girlfriends was a Korean and arguing with her really improved my vocabulary and bettered my English,” laughs Reza and confesses that he was very cautious about the people he mixed with when he first relocated to the City.

Reza was studying engineering in his hometown in Iran when his uncle, who has lived in Bangalore, suggested that he relocate to Bangalore for educational purposes. “My uncle spoke a lot about the City, its people and culture.

I think Bangalore is a great place for students but the food is still a problem for me. I think I am better off cooking for myself, rather than eat out and end up with an upset stomach,” informs Reza.

Reza feels Bangalore offers  a lot of freedom. “People are warm and friendly. You can walk up to a stranger and talk freely but in my country, people are a little more reserved and cautious about who they talk to and befriend. Back home, I always think twice before choosing a friend,” says Reza.

And unlike most expats, Reza feels that Bangalore is a safe city, when compared to Mumbai or Delhi.

“My friends and I usually venture out for a midnight walk and we feel totally safe. Barring a few drunkards, we’ve never faced the danger of being accosted,” says Reza.

He also feels that Indians are content with what they have. “Indians are simple people who don’t want to make more money than what they already have,” he says. 

Reza feels that religion and political affiliations are very personal things.

“Religion is personal and people must not be forced to conform to a certain line of thinking. One’s choice of religion and politics is nobody else’s business,” he asserts.

Reza has his favourite hangouts in the City. The UB City and areas in and around Brigade Road and M G Road are where he spends most of his weekends. And he never misses a chance to catch up with the latest Bollywood movie in town.

“I really like Amitabh Bachchan. He’s still very handsome at his age. And Aishwarya Rai is the most beautiful woman I’ve seen. I envy Abhishek Bachchan,” he beams. 

Unlike most youngsters, Reza is no spendthrift. He keeps a close watch on his budget.

“I am still studying and I don’t want to waste my parents’ money. In addition to paying my rent, I also need to make sure that my budget doesn’t go overboard,” he says. Reza is a second year BBM student at the Indian Academy.