Viral Video: Foreigner Joins 'Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha' Chants In Mumbai

On September 2, 2025, a viral Instagram video from Mumbai has captivated social media, showing a foreign visitor energetically chanting "Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha" with a local crowd.

Amassing over a million views, the clip captures the man wearing a traditional orange cap, laughing, and embracing the spirited Maratha Morcha slogan. Shared widely across platforms, the video has sparked a lively debate, with reactions ranging from humorous praise to concerns about public decorum, set against the backdrop of Mumbai's charged Maratha reservation protests.

The Viral Video: A Foreigner Joins the Chants

The Instagram reel captures the man saying "Ek Maratha," with the surrounding group roaring back, "Lakh Maratha." This back-and-forth continued several times, turning the encounter into a light-hearted cultural exchange. The foreigner's cheerful participation and willingness to join in added to the charm of the video, quickly turning it into an internet sensation.

Social Media Buzz: Amusement and Admiration

The video's virality has unleashed a flood of reactions online, with many users charmed by the foreigner's participation. Comments on Instagram and X reflect a mix of humour and admiration.

One user remarked, "Bro's got a story to tell his homies when he's back," while another quipped, "Bro need a Korean Arakshan now." Other playful responses included, "Bro needs Aadhaar card," "Bro don't know what he signed up for," and "He's looking so cute with that topi." Some celebrated the moment as an "International collaboration," with others dubbing it "International support," highlighting the video's appeal as a feel-good cross-cultural moment.

Not Everyone Was Amused

While many viewers laughed at the unexpected moment, others were less impressed. One critical comment read, "Just because we behave like this, other countries are rejecting us and assaulting us…We have 0 civic sense…Better we educate ourselves or be ready for destruction."
Another frustrated viewer added, "I don't understand why the f*** are other people laughing on this… This is so embarrassing after the nonsense."

Mixed Opinions and Cultural Exchange

Despite criticism, some users defended the incident, emphasising that the chanting was done in a friendly way. One pointed out, "They are doing it in a friendly way, not in a threatening way like those language guys. And the Korean guy is laughing."
This division of opinions highlights the sensitivity around cultural representation while also underlining how light-hearted interactions can sometimes spark unexpected debates online.

Social Media's Role in Shaping Public Discourse

The video's rapid spread underscores the power of platforms like Instagram to amplify spontaneous moments, turning them into viral phenomena. With over a million views, the reel has sparked conversations about cultural sensitivity, civic behaviour, and the global perception of India's protest culture. While some see it as a heartwarming example of cultural immersion, others view it as a reminder of the need for greater public awareness. As Mumbai navigates the ongoing Maratha agitation, the video serves as a microcosm of the city's complex social dynamics.