New Khosla Kunj – Social Fitness!

The strained MNC executive working overtime, who is trying hard to make it big in his/her career, is a very small fraction of the total consumer space. Belly of the middle class India is not as much stressed mentally or physically.

It is not surprising that the meaning of early morning group walks are more of talks, this includes laughter clubs (like we saw in Khosla ka Ghosla) is an excuse and opportunity to meet friends, neighbours or acquaintances.

In the film we see Mr. Khosla catches up with his long-time friend and chartered bus buddy - Mr. Sahni - every morning. During these walks happen long discussions about kids and family and work and many other things in general.

What this indicates is how the real reference group that the head of the family has is not his immediate family but close friends/relatives just outside it. Being the head of the family the male member has to show his commanding best to his family members. No one in family should get to his vulnerabilities. Thus the middle class male avoids discussing many of the things with his wife or even kids even if they have grown up.

This set of friends is the real reference group that plays a dominant role in determining many of the family decisions. Close friends are seem to be a kind of extended family in the middle class urban India.