“Tila avadto paus… pan tila avadat nahi mi”: Puneri Signboard by Elderly Man Leaves Internet in Splits
“Tila avadto paus… pan tila avadat nahi mi”: Puneri Signboard by Elderly Man Leaves Internet in Splits
If you’ve ever spent time in Pune, you’ll know this city doesn’t just run on intellect and culture—it thrives on wit. And nowhere is that more visible than in the legendary Puneri Patya (Pune-style signboards). These aren’t your usual “Keep off the grass” signs. They come with sharp sarcasm, dry humor, and a personality of their own. And now, one particular sign written by an elderly man has captured the internet’s attention for exactly those reasons.
Recently, a video went viral on social media showing an elderly man penning a signboard on the side of a Pune street. What made this moment stand out wasn’t just the act of writing—it was the curious crowd gathering around to read what he was writing. Passersby, both young and old, stopped in their tracks, drawn by a strange mix of intrigue and amusement.
So, what did the sign say that had everyone so hooked?
Here’s the text from the now-viral signboard:
“तिला आवडतो पाऊस मला पावसात ती….तिला आवडते भिजायला… मला भिजलेली ती तिला आवडते हसायला…मला हसताना ती… तिला आवडते मनोसक्त जगणे…. मला मनोसक्त ती….अशी खूप आवडते मला ती…..पण तिला आवडत नाही मी….”
Here is the English translation
(She likes the rain, I like her in the rain…
She likes to get wet… I like her when she’s wet.
She likes to smile… I like her when she’s smiling.
She likes to live wholeheartedly… I like her wholeheartedly like that.
I like her a lot… but she doesn’t like me)
It reads like poetry with a punchline. The last line, in particular, has made people laugh out loud. It delivers a mix of heartbreak and humor with that classic Puneri twist: subtle, sharp, and painfully honest.
This isn’t the first time a Puneri Patya has sparked public reaction, and it certainly won’t be the last. Pune’s signboard culture has long been known for being brutally honest, hilariously blunt, and sometimes even philosophical. What began in the old Peths (traditional neighborhoods of Pune) has now evolved into a full-blown social tradition spread across the city.
Punekars are known for their no-nonsense, slightly sarcastic way of expressing themselves. Whether it’s an announcement, a warning, or even a love note, everything gets that signature Puneri tone—precise, minimal, and direct to the point.
Some signs read like public challenges—“Don’t enter unless you have an opinion on every topic”—while others reflect the philosophical curiosity of the city—“Want to know what real intelligence under a turban looks like?” You’ll only find that flavor in Pune.
What sets Puneri Patya apart is not just the humor, but the intellect behind the humor. There’s a deep-rooted sense of pride in being able to say the most with the fewest words, often with enough sarcasm to make you think twice. It’s not just about being funny—it’s about being clever. And in a city like Pune, cleverness is currency.
Even the simplest sign becomes a reflection of the city’s personality—bold, quirky, and unapologetically honest. Because in Pune, even a one-sided love story can turn into public entertainment—and still leave behind a thoughtful smile.
