The Man Who Chews Water: Oum Pradutt, Unfiltered

Meet Oum Pradutt, the Man Who Chews Water

The Man Who Chews Water, Oum Pradutt, is the ‘own’ Bangalore legend we claim proudly—but never fully understand. The man’s either fueled by jet fuel or Himalayan monk-brewed espresso—because how else is he bouncing between time zones like it’s Richmond Road and back?

I met Oum about 15 years ago. He was younger. Fierce. A walking deadline. I wasn’t exactly my calmest either. But I could hold my own. Snap, when needed.

The 8 PM Hustle and Time-Zone Jumps

Work with Oum began at 8 PM. Not metaphorically. Literally. When the rest of us were packing up, he was just getting started. So for the social plans I missed, the friends I’ve lost—blame him.

I’ve called him across time zones, mid-flights, mid-boxing, mid-anything—and he picks up. Quietly. Helpfully. No drama.

The Side-Eye Alliance and Agency Antics

But we had an unspoken side-eye alliance. The kind that activates in an agency when someone’s being wildly ridiculous. He’d throw me that sly look—and I’d crack up straight into the unsuspecting victim’s face. No shame.

He gave me grief. No denying it. But I gave it back in full measure. Bangalore-style—dry, precise, and just dramatic enough to confuse outsiders.

Chewing Water and Other Olympic-Level Skills

And then there’s the chewing-on-water thing. Not food—water. His ex-assistant noticed it too. The man could chew time if it had texture. Truly, the man who chews water. Olympic-level observation skills.

This isn’t some glorification post. He’s never bought me a drink. Never sent me a tailored shirt. Owes me nothing. Probably doesn’t even know the version of me that exists now. But the man? He shows up.

Live Up: Lessons from a Grounded Chaos

He’s always said one thing: Live up.

And he has. Ironed whites. Clear words. Somehow… always grounded. Every time he lands somewhere new, I drop his name as a reference like it’s Brigade Road on a long weekend. He shows up there too.

Now he claims he envies people who can just be. Well then, hand over the espresso machine, Oum. Some of us are already being.

The Sharpest Cheekbone and Coffee Requests

Wears white shirts like he’s starring in an Ujala ad. Still hasn’t sent me one. Stingy thing.

Here’s to him:

• The sharpest cheekbone in the room.

• The chewer of water.

• The midnight call.

• The side-eye sniper.

• The chaos and the calm.

Stay stingy. Just send coffee.