Delhi’s smog reaches new highs, but a viral parody song turns pollution into humor. From coughing behind masks to rushing to Shimla, the witty track captures the city’s struggle- will music make you laugh or gasp at Delhi’s air crisis?
Breathing in Delhi has once again become a challenge
New Delhi: Breathing in Delhi has once again become a challenge as the city grapples with hazardous air quality levels. The National Capital has been waking up to smog-heavy mornings almost daily, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping deeper into the poor and very poor zones.
Of Delhi’s 39 air monitoring stations, 19 recorded very poor air quality, 14 were in the poor range, and only two reported moderate levels, according to recent data. Amid growing concerns, some residents are turning to humor to cope with the choking smog.
Recently, a musician duo released a viral video on Instagram, using a parody song to shed light on Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. The video cleverly riffs on the popular 2000 track Maaeri, originally sung and composed by Palash Sen, and also featuring actress Rimi Sen. In their version, humor meets harsh reality, as the lyrics describe the struggles of dealing with Delhi’s smog in a witty yet cynical manner.
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Titled Delhi Pollution Song, the parody includes lines like: “Mask lagake woh khansti thi jamke Maaeri. Smog hote hi Shimla bhagti ek dum se Maaeri. Air purifier thha uske paas, ghar se jo nikli nahi aaya saans. Maeri khansti rehti, Maaeri inhaler leti, Maaeri asthma, bronchitis payegi.”
(She’d cough heavily while wearing a mask. When smog hit, she’d rush to Shimla. She had an air purifier, but the moment she stepped out, she struggled to breathe. Maaeri kept coughing, used her inhaler, and risked asthma and bronchitis.)
The song has quickly struck a chord with social media users, resonating with Delhiites who live the struggle daily. Comments ranged from humorous to reflective: “This song feels way too personal. Never ever going to Delhi again,” wrote one user.
Another applauded the creativity, saying, “Great sarcasm, musical, important.” Many praised the performance itself, with remarks such as, “Satire on point. But amazingly sung guys,” and “Such a great singing revolution. It will probably help in the Renaissance.”
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The parody succeeds in balancing humor and awareness, making the city’s pollution crisis both relatable and shareable. It’s a unique blend of entertainment and social commentary that has caught the internet’s attention.
On Thursday, December 4, Delhi’s air quality witnessed a minor improvement. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported the AQI at 300 still in the “very poor” category but slightly better than previous days. Despite this, the viral song serves as a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing environmental challenges and the creative ways residents are responding.
Delhi’s pollution woes continue, but music, satire, and social media offer a lighter, relatable way to raise awareness and spark conversations.
