Indian chef's US success story has one missing piece this Diwali

Indian chef Kartik Chauhan shared his loneliness during a quiet Diwali in the US. His video triggered a debate over financial security, family ties and the migrant experience.An Indian chef's lonely Diwali in the US has gone viral. (Photos: kartikinspire/instagram)New Delhi,Oct 28, 2026 16:05 ISTA luxurious home, a flashy car and a well-paying job may tick all the boxes of a successful life, but they cannot make an empty house feel like home. An Indian chef living in the US has offered a glimpse of this loneliness, sharing how life abroad can bring financial comfort while leaving one longing for the people who make life meaningful.Kartik Chauhan said he has spent the past four years in the US. He owns a luxurious home, drives a Mustang and lives in an upscale neighbourhood. Yet, this Diwali, the comforts he has built for himself could not make up for the absence of family, friends and the familiar bustle of home.In a video, Kartik captured deserted streets and a quiet residential colony, describing a silence that feels especially heavy during a festival usually associated with light, laughter and togetherness.“I have everything, but no one to talk to. Should I now talk to these empty streets? It is only 8.30 at night, and there is such silence all around as if no one lives here,” he said. His words captured a feeling many Indians living overseas may recognise. Back home, festivals often mean relatives dropping in unannounced, neighbours exchanging sweets and families gathering amid the noise and chaos of celebrations. Abroad, even a simple social visit can require advance planning, leaving everyday life quieter than one might have imagined. Kartik also reflected on the limits of money, arguing that material success cannot replace the comfort of loved ones.“Money only gives you happiness as long as you are spending it. Real happiness can only be found with parents, a partner and children, which you cannot buy with money,” he said.Watch the video here:His video prompted mixed reactions online. While some viewers felt he had discovered the emotional cost of living abroad only after achieving financial success, others pointed out that returning to India remained an option if he missed home so deeply.One user questioned the purpose of his complaint, writing, “What's the point of making this reel, bro? You went there to earn money, right? And you did. So congratulations. Then why complain? You can't have everything at once.”Others offered a more balanced view, arguing that money and emotional fulfilment are both essential. Some noted that financial insecurity can strain relationships, too, making the choice between earning well and staying close to family far from straightforward.Perhaps that is the dilemma Kartik's video captures best: building a comfortable life matters, but so does having someone to share it with.- Ends