An Indian-origin bride who went viral for fixing a work bug just minutes after her wedding has responded to the online backlash.
Gauri Agarwal, co-founder and CTO of San Francisco–based startup KoyalAI, addressed the criticism after a photo of her working on her laptop in full wedding attire began circulating on social media.
While many called it a symbol of toxic hustle culture, Agarwal offered a lighter take.
“Try sitting for hours at an Indian reception, and you will want to code more than ever before,” she wrote on X, responding to a comment questioning her priorities.
The image was shared by her brother and co-founder Mehul Agarwal, who clarified that the moment was not staged. “People romanticise startups, but it is a lot of work,” he wrote. “This is my sister, 10 minutes after the ceremony, fixing a critical bug at KoyalAI.”
He added, “Not a photo op. Our parents yelled at both of us. When people ask why we won, I’ll point to this.”
What’s your first reaction when you see someone working on their wedding day?
Brut India
An Indian-origin bride who went viral for fixing a work bug just minutes after her wedding has responded to the online backlash.
Gauri Agarwal, co-founder and CTO of San Francisco–based startup KoyalAI, addressed the criticism after a photo of her working on her laptop in full wedding attire began circulating on social media.
While many called it a symbol of toxic hustle culture, Agarwal offered a lighter take.
“Try sitting for hours at an Indian reception, and you will want to code more than ever before,” she wrote on X, responding to a comment questioning her priorities.
The image was shared by her brother and co-founder Mehul Agarwal, who clarified that the moment was not staged.
“People romanticise startups, but it is a lot of work,” he wrote. “This is my sister, 10 minutes after the ceremony, fixing a critical bug at KoyalAI.”
He added, “Not a photo op. Our parents yelled at both of us. When people ask why we won, I’ll point to this.”
What’s your first reaction when you see someone working on their wedding day?
4 days ago | [YT] | 16,825