Mumbai: India's financial, commercial and entertainment center. This is the New York City of South Asia, according to many of its inhabitants. Here, they say, anything is possible and hard work pays off. Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures and lifestyles — and a city that never sleeps.
This documentary shows a city full of contrasts.
Reporter Johannes Hano explores the night with a motorcycle gang. He experiences Bollywood glamour, celebrates an Indian wedding, meets people in slums, and the financial elite.
He rides through the chaotic night-time streets in a three-wheeler with Queer Muslim drag artist Zeesh who made it onto the cover of Indian Vogue. Zeesh speaks openly about the development of diversity in India and emphasizes Mumbai's special role.
Rochelle Pinto from Vogue India shares her knowledge about the Indian fashion industry.
And Amruta Mane shares her story of self-empowerment. At the age of 21, she founded a motorcycle driving school for women called Women on Wheels. In doing so, she creates spaces for independence.
Radhe Maa has a somewhat different community. Her followers say she's a deity (godwoman) and she's as revered as she is controversial, and omnipresent in Mumbai.
In Dharavi, one of the largest slums in the world, reporter Johannes Hano meets a baker. And in Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world, he visits a laundry worker at home — and looks on, as he goes about his tough job.
Mumbai — encounters with people whose courage, creativity and diversity inspire.
For more documentaries, follow this link