A video showing a hair salon operating inside a former State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in the Danapur area of Patna has gone viral on social media platforms. The ATM had ceased functioning approximately six months ago and was subsequently removed by bank officials. However, the SBI signboard outside the kiosk was not taken down. The space has now been rented out to a barber and converted into a salon, sparking widespread reactions online.
Viral Sensation
Videos and photographs of the salon functioning under the prominent SBI ATM signboard have been widely shared across social media, drawing a flurry of reactions from users. Many expressed surprise and amusement at the unconventional transformation, while others criticized the bank for neglecting to remove its branding.
Building Owner's Account
Building owner S K Sinha explained that the ATM had remained non-functional for several months before the machine was finally taken away. "Neither was a new machine installed nor did we receive any response from the bank. After waiting for a long time, I decided to rent out the space to a barber," he said. According to Sinha, the salon was inaugurated on the evening of May 10.
Local Confusion
Locals reported that several people initially mistook the place for a functioning ATM because the original SBI branding and external structure remain unchanged. This has led to confusion among passersby who expect banking services but instead find a hair salon.
Social Media Reactions
Some social media users criticized the bank for not removing the signboard, calling it irresponsible and misleading. Others described the unusual conversion as a classic example of "jugaad"—a Hindi term for a frugal, innovative workaround. The incident has sparked debates about the maintenance of defunct bank properties and the adaptive reuse of public spaces.
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