Manpreet Bhatia
Jamshedpur: A short, spirited video has turned a struggling ragpicker from Jamshedpur into an overnight social media sensation, but behind the laughter and viral fame lies a far more complex and painful reality. Known to the internet as ‘Dhoom’ Pintu, the man captured millions of hearts after confidently reciting a popular dialogue from Hrithik Roshan’s film Krrish. His raw voice, distinctive style, and innocent confidence sparked a flood of reels, memes, and short videos across Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
In the viral clip, Pintu enthusiastically says, “Will you listen to the Krrish song… Didn’t give your heart, take this, son!” The line quickly became his identity online, with thousands recreating the dialogue and sharing it widely. Within days, ‘Dhoom’ Pintu became a familiar name on social media, admired for his natural flair despite having no formal training or exposure.
However, as his popularity grew, a harsh truth also came to light. Pintu revealed in an interaction with local media that many people took advantage of his innocence after he went viral. He claimed that individuals would pay him as little as Rs 10–20 to make videos for hours, while they themselves earned lakhs of views and online engagement. “People laughed, recorded videos, and earned from them, but my condition did not change,” he reportedly said.
Behind the sudden fame lies a life marked by deep personal struggles. Pintu’s childhood was traumatic. His mother abandoned him at a young age, and after his father remarried, he later lost his father as well. Following his father’s death, his stepmother allegedly refused to take on his responsibility. With little family support, Pintu grew up facing neglect and hardship. Though he has a sister who cared for him with affection in his early years, circumstances eventually pushed him to the margins of society.
To survive, Pintu worked as a ragpicker and took up odd jobs in and around Jamshedpur. In one of his videos, he mentioned that he is around 32 years old, though many viewers believe he appears much younger due to his voice, expressions, and childlike enthusiasm. This contrast further intrigued and emotionally connected audiences to his story.
A turning point came when Jamshedpur-based rehabilitation centre Astitva Foundation noticed Pintu’s condition. The foundation’s director, Saurabh Tiwari, and his team felt that Pintu needed care and protection more than online fame. They observed that his innocence was being exploited, often when he was under the influence of substances. The organisation subsequently took Pintu under its care.
At present, Pintu is undergoing treatment for de-addiction and rehabilitation. He is being looked after and guided towards a more stable and dignified life. Pintu has expressed relief, saying that although many people misused him in the past, he now feels that someone genuinely understands and supports him.
Pintu’s journey highlights the darker side of viral fame and the hidden struggles of many unnoticed talents in society. His story is a reminder that creativity and talent are not defined by wealth or background, and that genuine support matters far more than fleeting likes and views. For Jamshedpur’s ‘Dhoom’ Pintu, the hope now is that this moment of attention will finally lead to lasting change and a better future.
