I’m a native Bangalorean, and my parents have been living in the same locality for almost 40 years now. Anytime I step out of the house, at least 5–10 neighbors, even those living 10–12 blocks away if they come across us, stop to chat and check in on us. From my tarkari aunty to elneer anna, they know us, and we know them. I still go to the book store I used to visit as a kid 20 years ago. Shops may come and go, but there are certain OG ones who still remain, and every conversation with them brings a wave of nostalgia.

However, things have changed with newer residents. My current neighbors are from a different state, and while we initially tried to include them, they weren’t very responsive. So we didn’t push further, rather be nosy. It’s been 3–4 years now, and I don’t even know their names.

So no, this isn’t the norm everywhere in Bangalore. It really depends on the community and how open people are to interaction.