18 September,2026 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Richa Chadha in Musafiri. Pic via special arrangement
Richa Chadha is stepping into a new space with Musafiri, her first-ever non-fiction series and her debut on YouTube. Hosted, written and produced by the actor, the eight-episode series will explore Mumbai through its lesser-known histories, people, places and stories that often remain hidden beyond the city's familiar landmarks.
The trailer offers a glimpse into Richa Chadha's personal connection with Mumbai and the curiosity that inspired the series. Musafiri will premiere on Phull Stop, the new YouTube channel launched by Chadha and her husband, actor Ali Fazal, with the first episode dropping on September 25. New episodes will be released every Friday.
The idea for Musafiri emerged during Chadha's journey into motherhood, which she says encouraged her to look at the world around her with renewed curiosity. The actor, who studied history at St Stephen's College and grew up in an academic family, has long been interested in history, art, culture and people.
In the series, she turns that curiosity towards the city she has called home for years. Rather than focusing on Mumbai's most recognisable sights, Musafiri ventures into overlooked spaces, untold histories and stories surrounding fascinating characters.
Across eight episodes, Chadha takes on the role of a curious traveller in her own city, meeting local residents, cultural practitioners, historians and experts along the way. At the heart of the series is an exploration of "People, Places and Pyaar".
Speaking about the show, Chadha said motherhood made her question how well she really knew Mumbai and look at familiar surroundings with "a completely different sense of wonder". She added that the series is her attempt to travel through a city she thought she knew, but with "fresh eyes".
Musafiri also marks the second production from Chadha and Fazal's Pushing Buttons Studios. The production house previously backed Girls Will Be Girls, which received major recognition at the Sundance Film Festival, while Chadha won the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles.
The first season is dedicated entirely to Mumbai, offering Chadha an opportunity to revisit the city through conversations, research and stories that go beyond its commonly known narrative.
With Musafiri, the duo are now expanding their production slate into non-fiction. The series will stream on their newly launched Phull Stop YouTube channel, beginning September 25.
