Richa Chadha traces Mumbai’s journey from a cluster of islands to a financial capital in Musafiri

Richa Chadha explores Mumbai’s transformation from a group of islands into one of India’s leading financial centres in the latest episode of Musafiri. The episode takes viewers through the historic streets of South Mumbai, tracing the role of traders, colonial administrators and philanthropists in shaping the city’s economic and cultural landscape.

The episode revisits key moments in Mumbai’s history, beginning with the transfer of the Bombay islands to the British Crown in 1661 as part of the marriage settlement of Catherine of Braganza and King Charles II. It also looks at the contribution of Gerald Aungier, the second Governor of Bombay, whose policies encouraged trade and attracted communities to the growing port city.

Aungier is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the development of early Bombay. His efforts to promote commerce and engage with local communities helped establish the foundations for the city’s subsequent growth.

The episode also explores Mumbai’s emergence as a centre of trade and finance. From merchants gathering under a banyan tree to the establishment of what became the Bombay Stock Exchange, the city’s commercial history reflects its connections with global markets. The programme examines the role of the cotton and opium trades in building fortunes during the colonial period.

Among the personalities featured are David Sassoon, Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Premchand Roychand. Their contributions to the city extended beyond business, with philanthropy playing an important role in the development of educational institutions, hospitals and public landmarks.

Richa Chadha on understanding Mumbai’s history Speaking about the episode, Richa Chadha said she wanted to look beyond Mumbai’s reputation for energy, ambition and opportunity to explore the history that shaped the city.

“Whenever we talk about Mumbai, we talk about its energy, its opportunities and the people who come here to build a life. But I think it is equally important to understand the history behind the city we know today. Mumbai’s rise was shaped by trade, migration and people who built fortunes, but also by those who gave back to society through schools, hospitals and public institutions,” she said.

The actor also raised questions about the relationship between wealth and social responsibility, drawing attention to the role philanthropy played in Mumbai’s development.

“It makes you wonder whether wealth today carries the same sense of responsibility. A city is not built by money alone; it is built by the people who live in it, contribute to it and make it what it is. Through Musafiri, I want to explore these lesser-known stories and look at Mumbai through a perspective we may not always stop to consider,” Chadha added. Musafiri explores the stories behind Mumbai With this episode, Musafiri continues to examine lesser-known aspects of Mumbai’s history and the people who helped shape its development. By revisiting the city’s trading communities, influential business figures and philanthropic contributions, the programme looks at how its economic growth has been connected to wider social and cultural changes.

The episode also invites viewers to consider how the legacy of those who helped build Mumbai continues to influence the city, particularly when it comes to the relationship between wealth and giving back to society.

Also Read: Richa Chadha slams trolls body-shaming Katrina Kaif after pregnancy; says, “They are just losers and they deserve to be ignored”

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