It isn’t every day you get to tell one of the most powerful men in tech that he pays your salary, but that is exactly what happened at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. In a moment that has since taken social media by storm, Indian finance YouTuber Anant Ladha approached Google CEO Sundar Pichai with a hilariously blunt icebreaker: “Sir, you give me money every month... thank you.” The candid interaction, which took place in New Delhi this week, perfectly captured the unique relationship between the tech giant and the creator economy.

The Ultimate Creator Icebreaker

The viral exchange occurred during the final day of the prestigious summit, where global leaders had gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Anant Ladha, the founder of the popular financial literacy channel Invest Aaj For Kal, found himself seated just two spots away from the Google chief. Seizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Ladha leaned over for a conversation that skipped the usual formalities.

According to Ladha’s post on X (formerly Twitter), the interaction began with his cheeky opener about receiving monthly payments. Pichai, initially caught off guard, paused and asked, “As in?” When Ladha clarified, “I am a YouTuber,” the confusion famously turned into laughter. The ice was effectively broken, leading to what Ladha described as a “good fun chat around Future growth mindset.” The YouTuber later shared a selfie with a smiling Pichai visible in the background, captioning it as a massive “fanboy moment.”

Who Is Anant Ladha?

For those unfamiliar with the man behind the viral comment, Anant Ladha is a prominent figure in India’s digital finance space. A Chartered Accountant (CA), CFA, and CFP by qualification, he hails from Kota, Rajasthan. His YouTube channel, Invest Aaj For Kal, has grown into a massive platform with millions of subscribers, where he simplifies complex financial concepts like mutual funds, SIPs, and stock market trends for the average Indian investor.

Ladha’s comment to Pichai highlights the tangible reality of the creator economy. For creators like him, the YouTube Partner Program isn't just a feature; it's a livelihood. By jokingly acknowledging Pichai as the "boss" who signs his paychecks, Ladha voiced a sentiment that resonates with millions of content creators globally who rely on the platform’s ad revenue sharing model.

Social Media Reacts to the “Fanboy Moment”

As soon as Ladha shared the anecdote and selfie, the internet erupted with reactions. The post quickly went viral, with users praising both Ladha’s wit and Pichai’s humble demeanor. Comments flooded in calling the interaction “awesome and wholesome,” with many noting how refreshing it was to see a tech mogul engage so casually with a creator.

  • “Nice way to start a conversation,” one user commented, applauding the lack of corporate jargon.
  • Another user observed, “Your eyes speak of how that meeting impacted you, Anant,” pointing out the genuine excitement in Ladha's expression.
  • Others joked about the accuracy of the statement, with one user noting, “Technically, he’s not wrong!”

A Lighter Moment Amidst Serious Talks

The lighthearted banter stood out against the backdrop of the serious discussions dominating the India AI Impact Summit 2026. While the event focused on heavy topics like AI regulation, responsible innovation, and global partnerships—featuring heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron—this human moment stole the show online. It served as a reminder that behind the algorithms and policy frameworks, the digital ecosystem is ultimately powered by human connections.

Sundar Pichai’s India Visit Highlights

This wasn't the only moment from Pichai's visit that grabbed headlines. The Google CEO seemed to be enjoying his time in the country, even making waves for his appreciation of local culture. Earlier in the summit, Pichai went viral for his reaction to Indian coffee at the Bharat GI Coffee Lounge, where he was heard saying “Wow” after tasting the Monsoon Malabar brew.

From discussing the future of AI with world leaders to laughing about ad revenue with a YouTuber, Pichai’s visit has been a masterclass in diplomacy and approachability. For Anant Ladha, however, the summit will always be remembered as the day he thanked his “boss” in person—and got a laugh out of it.