‘Luxury’ or ‘Dhobi Ghat’? Viral pic of Mumbai flats worth ₹2.5 crore each divides internet

‘Luxury’ or ‘Dhobi Ghat’? Mumbai Flats Worth ₹2.5 Crore Each Spark Online Controversy

Luxury or Dhobi Ghat Viral pic – A recent image of a newly constructed residential building in Mumbai has ignited a heated debate about the definition of luxury housing. The post, shared by an X user named Roads of Mumbai, highlighted the structure’s exterior and questioned whether its design justified the high price tags of its apartments, reportedly ranging from ₹1.5 crore to ₹2.5 crore.

Reactions to the Facade’s Aesthetic

The user criticized the building’s appearance, noting that clothes hanging from balconies and windows gave it a “chawl” look rather than a premium feel. In the original message, they wrote: “Newly built ‘luxury’ tower. Apartments from ₹1.5 Cr-2.5 Cr+. Ground view? Straight-up chawl vibes with clothes hanging from every balcony and window like it’s 90s. Why can’t builders just give a dedicated drying area on every floor and enforce that residents ONLY dry clothes there instead of ruining the entire facade?”

The post went viral, prompting widespread discussion on whether the practice of balcony laundry undermines the appeal of high-end residential projects. Some users questioned the marketing of luxury housing, with one commenting, “Anything below 8cr is Not Luxury… This is a building for poor people…” Another added, “This same building charges 18k extra for tenants only for using amenities.”

Supporters Argue for Practicality

Others defended the practice, emphasizing its necessity. One user noted, “Drying clothes naturally is somehow bad? Dryers are a necessity in certain countries because of cold weather and even then most of the times it is not recommended because it reduces the age of clothes and deteriorates them quickly.” Another remarked, “Drying clothes need sun light else fungal infection can happen, builders are greedy vultures, construct anything in name of LifeStyle, but basic necessity is what matters, drying area, square kitchen with good sink so water doesn’t splash out doing dishes.”

Design vs. Habits

Some users shifted the focus to architectural planning, suggesting that the issue lies in how buildings are designed rather than residents’ habits. One wrote, “Its in Indian genes… Even if such area provided… Still they will hang clothes in balcony… Ideal is Dubai style structuring of building…. That will solve this issue.” A different voice proposed a compromise: “It looks bad but drying clothes like these is the best option. Can’t dry in common floor either. Indoor drying causes lung issues. The best option is to put a cloth or netted sheet, standardized by the society before you put clothes and should not exceed frame.”

Elitist Criticism Called Out

Meanwhile, some users accused the original post of elitism. One argued, “Elitist view much? Every square inch of space in Mumbai is premium. Difficult for builders to allocate drying area per flat which will eat into the carpet area anyway. What’s wrong in drying clothes where there is enough sunlight & air? Chawl vibes jibe? – that’s a tad too harsh.” Another added, “Why can’t people learn some basic sensibility to dry clothes? Why can’t society impose rules no drying clothes outside, such rules imposed by some societies are not followed by some individuals and then that becomes norm for others.”

A final counterpoint emerged, with a user asserting, “Who is anyone to decide where I dry my clothes in my home. This shaming of people on anything is insane. You maintain the aesthetic of your balcony. This madness to control every aspect of people’s lives is crazy.”

Check out the post here: Internet Divided Over Balcony Laundry