Swipe Fatigue to Financial Freedom: Why Anam Mirza Quit UPI to Curb Spending

In a digital-first world where convenience often fuels consumption, fashion entrepreneur Anam Mirza—sister of tennis icon Sania Mirza—is making headlines for an unconventional financial move. In a viral episode of her Instagram series Little Changes, Big Impact, Anam revealed that she has completely stopped using UPI-based payment apps like Google Pay to rein in her spending habits. The decision, she says, has transformed her relationship with money.

Here’s a closer look at her digital detox and the ripple effect it’s creating.

What Prompted the Move

- Anam deleted all UPI apps from her phone, emptied her accounts, and stopped scanning QR codes altogether  
- Her goal was to make spending less convenient, thereby reducing impulse purchases  
- She admitted the change was initially inconvenient—often needing friends to pay for small items like coffee—but it helped her become more mindful of her expenses  
- The decision was part of a broader effort to adopt intentional living and financial discipline  

Who Is Anam Mirza?

- A fashion entrepreneur and digital content creator, Anam is the founder of The Label Bazaar and Dua India  
- She also organizes the Ramzan Expo, one of India’s largest cultural shopping events  
- As of June 2025, her estimated net worth stands at over Rs 331 crore—surpassing even her sister Sania’s reported Rs 216 crore  
- Anam holds a degree in Mass Communication from St. Francis College, Hyderabad, and began her career in journalism before pivoting to fashion  
- She is married to Mohammad Asaduddin, son of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin  

Public Reaction: Applause and Apprehension

- Many social media users praised her for promoting mindful spending and shared similar experiences of quitting UPI to control expenses  
- Others questioned the practicality of her approach, especially in a country where digital payments are deeply embedded in daily life  
- Some critics argued that such a move is easier for the wealthy and may not be feasible for middle-class users who rely on UPI for convenience and budgeting  

The Bigger Conversation

- Anam’s decision has sparked a broader dialogue about digital payment behavior and financial self-awareness  
- Her story underscores how even small lifestyle changes—like deleting a payment app—can lead to significant shifts in spending patterns  
- It also highlights a growing trend among affluent millennials and Gen Z professionals to seek balance between tech convenience and financial mindfulness  

In a time when instant payments are just a tap away, Anam Mirza’s choice to step back is a reminder that sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way to regain control.

Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, Business Standard, Hindustan Times, MSN India, Instagram (Anam Mirza) June 2025