In a creative demonstration of how artificial intelligence can support everyday communication, a Bengaluru-based man used ChatGPT’s voice assistant feature to negotiate an auto-rickshaw fare in Kannada a move that has since gone viral on social media.
The Instagram video, shared by content creator Sajan Mahto on his account ‘@sajanmahto.ai’, highlights a staged but clever situation where language technology bridges the gap between a non-Kannada speaker and a local auto driver. The clip has clocked over 2.2 million views and sparked widespread engagement online.
In the video, Mahto, posing as a student unfamiliar with Kannada, seeks ChatGPT’s help to communicate with the driver. Speaking into the voice-enabled AI tool, he says, “Hi ChatGPT, can you help me negotiate with the auto driver in Bengaluru? He’s asking for Rs 200, but I’m a student. Can you talk to him and try to bring it down to Rs 100?”
ChatGPT Bargains in Kannada, Stuns Viewers
What followed took viewers by surprise. ChatGPT responded fluently in Kannada, addressing the driver with respect and familiarity: “Anna, Namaskara, this is the route I take every day, and I’m a student. Please agree to Rs 100.” Mahto then placed his phone near the auto driver, letting the AI do the talking.
The driver, amused yet engaged, began bargaining. While he initially stood firm at Rs 200, he agreed to Rs 150. After a little more negotiation helped by ChatGPT’s gentle tone, he finally settled for Rs 120. “I reduced it from Rs 200 to Rs 150. Since you requested politely, I’m giving another Rs 30 off let’s settle at Rs 120. I can’t go lower,” he replied. Mahto accepted the offer and boarded the rickshaw.
Importantly, Mahto clarified that the video was a scripted act intended solely for educational purposes. “This isn’t a real-life interaction with an auto driver it’s a demonstration to show how AI tools like ChatGPT can be used in real-life scenarios. The goal is educational, not to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” he wrote in the caption.
Viewers have Shared Mix Reactions to the Video
Online reactions have been a mix of admiration and thought-provoking reflections. Many users praised the resourcefulness shown in the video. “This is how AI should be used solving real problems,” one user wrote. Another added, “Language barrier? Solved. AI for the win!” Some users jokingly suggested that if this continues, “politicians will panic and call AI a threat to society.”
Others, however, pointed out the importance of not becoming overly reliant on tech. “It’s still better to learn Kannada if you’re staying in Karnataka,” one comment read. Another user quipped, “Google Translate must be crying in the corner ChatGPT just took its spotlight.”
What the video ultimately showcased is a relatable situation for many in a multilingual city like Bengaluru a commuter struggling to communicate with a local auto driver. With the assistance of AI, that gap was briefly bridged, creating not just a moment of convenience, but also a powerful example of how modern tools can support everyday interactions.
Whether as a translation companion or a negotiation assistant, this viral clip reaffirms that the line between human creativity and machine intelligence continues to blur often with fascinating results.
