Private cook earns '₹18,000 per month for 30‑minute work'

A social media post by Mumbai‑based lawyer Ayushi Doshi has sparked widespread intrigue: her private cook, referred to as 'maharaj', earns ₹18,000 per household per month, yet spends just 30 minutes preparing food at each house.

According to Ayushi, the cook serves 10 to 12 households daily, all located within the same housing complex. The tight schedule, coupled with minimal commuting time and the courtesy of free meals and chai at each stop, allows him to potentially bring in up to ₹200,000 per month while maintaining a relaxed routine.

In her post, Ayushi wittily contrasted her cook's seamless work-life balance with her corporate demands:

"Meanwhile, I’m out here saying 'gentle reminder' with trembling hands with minimum salary".

According to an NDTV report, the tweet gained viral traction as netizens grappled with the story's seeming implausibility. Some commented, “It’s cook or AI?" while others jokingly remarked, "Only a Mumbaikar would relate to your post." Critics questioned whether the post was exaggerated or staged for engagements.

However, Ayushi defended the claim in follow‑up comments, stating the cook has served the locality for nearly a decade and commands a premium due to his reputation for quality, consistency, and efficiency. She emphasised that skilled service providers in Mumbai can outrank traditional professionals in earnings and flexibility.

The broader conversation, as reported by other outlets like The Economic Times and Mathrubhumi, centred on the value of skilled labour versus white‑collar jobs—highlighting how mastery and discipline can redefine success in modern urban life.