Richa Chadha launches 'Musafiri' to uncover Mumbai's untold stories
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress-producer Richa Chadha has launched a new show titled 'Musafiri', dedicated to uncovering the hidden histories, cultural layers, and surprising secrets of Mumbai. The first episode is now live on the Phullstop YouTube channel and invites viewers to rediscover the city they thought they knew.
What the First Episode Explores
The debut episode traverses a wide arc of Mumbai's identity — from the city's origins and its presiding deities to some of its most unexpected historical footnotes. Among the revelations is an unlikely connection between global celebrity Kim Kardashian and Kala Ghoda, one of South Mumbai's most recognised cultural precincts. The episode also visits one of the city's oldest Armenian churches and delves into the construction history of the iconic Gateway of India.
Richa also shines a light on the city's spiritual heritage, exploring the significance of Maa Mahalaxmi, widely regarded as the Mother Goddess of Mumbai.
Richa Chadha on the Vision Behind 'Musafiri'
'Mumbai has so many stories that we have grown up around but never really stopped to explore,' Richa said. 'With Musafiri, I wanted to discover those unique and unheard sides of the city and share them with people.'
She added: 'I hope that even those who have lived in Mumbai all their lives will look at the city differently and feel like they are discovering a new Mumbai.' The show positions itself as more than a travelogue — it is pitched as a journey of cultural rediscovery for both lifelong Mumbaikars and newcomers alike.
Why This Show Matters
Mumbai is one of the most documented cities in Indian popular culture, yet a significant portion of its layered history — from colonial-era architecture to pre-independence religious traditions — rarely surfaces in mainstream storytelling. 'Musafiri' attempts to bridge that gap, bringing an intimate, curiosity-led lens to a metropolis that has long served as a backdrop rather than a subject. Notably, this comes at a time when Indian audiences are increasingly drawn to local history content on digital platforms.
Richa Chadha's Recent Work
On the acting front, Richa was most recently seen in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, the Netflix series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Set in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore during the Indian independence movement, the series explored the lives of tawaifs against a backdrop of political and personal upheaval under British colonial rule. The ensemble cast included Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha. In cinema, her last theatrical release was Fukrey 3, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba.
With 'Musafiri' now underway, Richa steps fully into the producer-presenter role, and audiences will be watching whether the show's storytelling ambition translates into sustained engagement beyond the debut episode.