After ‘Jugad’, tech billionaire Bryan Johnson embraces Indian ‘Bak*****’: ‘Take your work seriously, not yourself’ – Times of India

India’s air pollution crisis, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, has become a global concern, with figures like Bryan Johnson and Debarghya Das highlighting its normalisation.

Bryan Johnson, the millionaire entrepreneur known for his ambitious age-reversal project Blueprint, is finding India to be as thought-provoking as his futuristic health experiments. Currently touring the country, Johnson has been charmed by India’s distinct cultural quirks — from its humor-laden camaraderie to its scrappy innovation — and has been sharing his observations in ways that have sparked lively conversations online.
On Tuesday, Johnson sent Indian Twitter into a frenzy with his candid admiration for the nation’s lighthearted social dynamics. “I love the culture of bak***** in India. It perfectly captures my worldview: take your work seriously, not yourself,” he tweeted. The post resonated widely, racking up over 50,000 views and prompting a flood of reactions.

Among the responses, one user brought up “jugaad,” India’s celebrated knack for frugal innovation. Johnson weighed in thoughtfully: “I like jugaad — most innovation comes from frugality. But if it means taking shortcuts, we are in trouble. Fixing air pollution in India will require an overhaul, can’t be done with jugaad.”
His comment struck a nerve, as it touched on a pressing issue — air pollution. With cities like Delhi and Mumbai reeling from hazardous air quality, Johnson’s perspective aligns with the growing call for systemic, sustainable solutions.

Speaking at an event earlier this week at Mumbai’s Soho House, where he interacted with Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal and comedian Tanmay Bhat, Johnson elaborated on his views. “Fixing air pollution in India is not a one-step process. It will require systemic changes, but I am optimistic about India’s potential to innovate its way out of this,” he said.
Known for his rigid health regimen — including a plant-based diet, over 100 daily supplements, and even plasma transfusions — Johnson has been equally noted for his ability to blend discipline with curiosity. His openness to Indian culture has won him new fans, with many praising his ability to connect humor and innovation in his reflections.
While Bryan Johnson’s health experiments may be aimed at reversing his biological age, his candid embrace of India’s “bakchodi” shows he’s more than willing to laugh along the way.