When British architect Russell Henderson posted a video from Chandigarh questioning, “Do you really think this is a city in India?” he did not expect it to trigger a wider debate on how India is seen from abroad.The clip quickly went viral, with viewers divided between pride, surprise, and criticism. While many Indians celebrated the praise for Chandigarh’s design and cleanliness, others pointed out how such reactions often reflect narrow global perceptions of the country.In an exclusive interaction with The Times of India, Henderson has now expanded on his first impressions, explaining what shaped his reaction, how Chandigarh compares with cities across the world, and why he believes the city reveals a more complex picture of India than what is often seen internationally.
‘I would have guessed France, Brazil, or even parts of the UK’
Asked where he might have placed Chandigarh if he had seen it without context, Henderson said several global cities came to mind. “If I had to guess, I probably would have said France, Brasília in Brazil, or even parts of the UK,” he said. He added that Chandigarh’s Sector 17 particularly reminded him of his hometown in England.“The town center around Sector 17 actually reminded me a little of my hometown of Huntingdon in England, particularly the pedestrian-friendly shopping areas and the way public spaces are organized. Of course, the architecture is on a much larger and more monumental scale in Chandigarh.” According to him, the resemblance lies in the era in which Chandigarh was conceived, when modernist urban planning was shaping cities across the world.Watch the video here: “Chandigarh was designed during the 1950s, a period when many countries were experimenting with modernist urban planning,” he explained, highlighting zoning principles, wide boulevards, and separation of pedestrian and vehicular movement.He also pointed out that Chandigarh cannot be compared directly with organically evolved cities.“You can’t really compare cities like London, Paris, or Mumbai. They developed over centuries. Chandigarh was essentially created from a drawing board and built in a relatively short period of time. That is an incredibly difficult task.”
‘I’m tired of seeing slums on my feed’
Henderson clarified that his viral reaction was not intended as criticism of India, but rather a reflection of how the country is often portrayed internationally.“The reaction wasn’t intended as criticism of India; it was more a reflection of the images that are most commonly shown internationally,” he said.He noted that many foreigners form their understanding of Indian cities through highly dense urban centers.“People often think of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata when they think of urban India. Those cities are fascinating, but they create a very specific impression.”Over time, Henderson said, his own interest as a traveller has shifted.“Earlier in my travels, I spent a lot of time visiting poorer areas and informal settlements in places like Bangkok and Rio de Janeiro. Those are often the places people expect you to see because they are considered more dramatic or shocking.”“But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more interested in seeing the successful parts of cities – where planning, infrastructure, and quality of life come together.”For him, Chandigarh represented exactly that shift in perspective.“One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing a side of India that doesn’t always make it into travel documentaries, news reports, or social media feeds,” he said. “I’m tired of seeing slums on my feed.”
‘The word I’d use is comfortable’
Beyond its visual impression, Henderson said Chandigarh stood out for something more fundamental – how it feels to live and move through the city.“After spending a few days walking around Chandigarh, the word I’d use to describe it is comfortable.”He highlighted the city’s road system as one of its strongest features.“The system of roads is very logical. Traffic is distributed efficiently, and there are fewer conflicts than in many organically grown cities.”Green spaces and long-term planning also left a strong impression.“The city has abundant trees, parks, and open areas. Many modern cities are now trying to add back greenery that Chandigarh had from the beginning,” he said.He also pointed to its sector-based structure, which allows residents to access essential services within walking distance, contributing to its livability.Even though the city was designed with automobiles in mind, Henderson said he found it surprisingly walkable. “The relatively low density, wide streets, and lack of overcrowding give the city a calm atmosphere. I found it very pleasant to explore on foot.”
‘India is far more diverse than many outsiders realize’
For Henderson, the most lasting takeaway was not just about Chandigarh but about perception itself.“It reinforced the idea that perceptions are often shaped by limited exposure,” he said.“International audiences tend to see only a small selection of India’s cities and experiences, which can create an incomplete picture of the country.”He believes Chandigarh highlights how diverse India’s urban landscape truly is.“India contains an enormous variety of urban environments, architectural styles, cultures, and lifestyles. The reality is much more nuanced than the stereotypes.”For the architect, the experience ultimately reinforced a simple but important reminder.“The importance of travelling with an open mind and allowing places to challenge your assumptions rather than relying on preconceived ideas.”Thumb image: Russell Henderson
