A vibrant moment of cross-cultural humour became the highlight of a recent Indian wedding in Chicago, when an Italian guest transformed the traditional ‘Joota Chupai’ (shoe hiding) ritual into a full-blown live auction.
The playful negotiation over the groom’s shoes, a staple of Indian weddings, was elevated by the unexpected enthusiasm and flair of a guest affectionately known as “Uncle Richie.”
The Auctioneer Steps Up
The video of the lively event was shared on Instagram by Chirag Gandhi (@dj_realest), an Indian wedding DJ based in Chicago, who captioned the post: “Joota Chupai meets Italian Uncle Richie… and this man turned the whole thing into a live auction.”
In the footage, Uncle Richie steps forward with pronounced confidence and the dramatic delivery of a seasoned auctioneer:
- Starting Bid: He announced the starting bid at a competitive $200.
- Escalation: Within moments, fueled by the rising cheers from the assembled guests, Richie enthusiastically pushed the bid to $1,000.
The scene, set against the calm backdrop of Victorian Park near Chicago, captured guests smiling, cheering, and recording the spontaneous moment, which has now become a viral hit online.
Online Reaction to the Cultural Blend
The video prompted a wave of positive comments on Instagram, where users appreciated how seamlessly and humorously Richie injected his Italian charm into the Indian custom.
- One user commented, “Uncle Richie deserves the first Naan out of the tandoor for life.”
- Another user noted his rapid-fire delivery: “He is speaking even more quickly than the pandit.”
- The desire for the auction talent to be imported was also evident: “Uncle for the win. Please import this talent to India,” wrote a commenter.
While ‘Joota Chupai’ always brings laughter and light-hearted teasing to a wedding, Uncle Richie’s quick wit and dramatic delivery elevated this version, turning a familiar tradition into a memorable online phenomenon.