Viral ‘Hinjewadi Is Not Pune’: Radhika Apte’s Old-School Remark Sparks Fresh Debate Online
Viral ‘Hinjewadi Is Not Pune’: Radhika Apte’s Old-School Remark Sparks Fresh Debate Online
The Pune-born actress’s candid comment during an interview has reignited the long-running ‘old Pune vs new Pune’ conversation on social media.
Marathi actress Radhika Apte has found herself at the centre of a lively online debate after a candid remark about Pune and Hinjewadi went viral. During a recent interview with Mashable India, Radhika openly said she does not consider Hinjewadi to be Pune — a statement that instantly resonated with some and irritated others.
The comment came up while discussing memes around Pune’s dating scene. The interviewer mentioned popular jokes that refer to Hinjewadi as “Hinge in real life,” a nod to dating app culture and the IT hub’s modern lifestyle. Radhika admitted she was unaware of such memes and questioned why Hinjewadi was being discussed so prominently in the context of Pune.
Responding with her trademark honesty, she said, “Hinjewadi doesn’t feel like Pune to me. Sorry, but I’m very old-school. Pune is Pune. Hinjewadi is… Hinjewadi.” Her remark, delivered with humour rather than hostility, immediately struck a chord online.
The conversation didn’t stop there. Actor Divyendu Sharma, who was also part of the discussion, jokingly mentioned visiting Bhosari during Dahi Handi celebrations. Radhika laughed and replied that Bhosari too does not feel like Pune, adding that it might fall under the district, but not the cultural identity she associates with the city. This light-hearted exchange further fuelled the debate.
Radhika Apte, who was born and raised in Pune, is often described as an “assal Punekar” by fans. Although she is now settled abroad with her husband, she has repeatedly spoken about her emotional connection to the city. For many longtime residents, her words reflected an unfiltered sentiment — the belief that old Pune’s cultural core is distinct from the newer, rapidly developing suburbs.
Social media reactions have been sharply divided. Several Punekars praised her for saying what many feel but rarely state openly. Others argued that cities evolve and that Hinjewadi, with its IT parks and young workforce, is as much a part of Pune as its traditional neighbourhoods.
Regardless of which side one takes, Radhika’s statement has once again highlighted Pune’s identity crisis — a city balancing its old-world character with modern expansion. Known for her bold opinions both on and off screen, the actress has once again sparked conversation simply by being honest.
Meanwhile, Radhika continues to stay busy professionally, with recent web series releases and upcoming projects keeping her in the spotlight. But for now, it’s her “old-school Punekar” side that has captured the internet’s attention.
