Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)

Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)

Year: 2011

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Kiran Rao

Drama

Within the bustling city of Mumbai, the lives of four individuals from different backgrounds intersect, creating unexpected connections and revealing shared vulnerabilities. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant energy, exploring themes of longing, loneliness, and the search for connection. Through interwoven narratives, the film portrays a poignant and intimate portrait of Mumbai and its diverse inhabitants, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and the complexities of human relationships.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) (2011)

Trace every key event in Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arun Moves to Mumbai

Arun, a reclusive artist, decides to move into a run-down flat in old Mumbai. He is particularly drawn to the apartment's views of the historical city, despite its small kitchen.

Mumbai
2

Meeting Shai

After an exhibition of his artwork, Arun encounters Shai, an American investment banker in Mumbai for a sabbatical. Shai explains her purpose for being in India, amidst discussing her research grant, which piques Arun's interest.

3

One-Night Stand

After a mishap at the exhibition, Arun takes Shai back to his flat, leading to an unexpected one-night stand. The morning after, Arun reveals his discomfort with relationships, prompting Shai to leave in anger.

Arun's flat
4

Introducing Munna

Shortly after his encounter with Shai, Arun meets Munna, a Dhobi struggling to make it big in Bollywood. Munna delivers Arun's laundry and shares a glimpse of his tough life, living in a small chawl with his family.

Mumbai
5

Arun Moves In

The next day, Arun moves into his new apartment in old Mumbai. As he unpacks, he discovers a small container left behind by the previous tenant, filled with personal items including video tapes that belonged to a woman named Yasmin.

Arun's new apartment
6

Yasmin's Video Diaries

Arun watches Yasmin's video diaries and learns about her life in Mumbai, her happiness, and her complicated marriage. The tapes offer a glimpse into Yasmin's world, which echoes through Arun's life now.

Arun's new apartment
7

Art Gallery Opportunity

Arun's manager Vatsala informs him that an art gallery in Sydney wants to showcase his work. This news excites Arun as it also provides him with a chance to reunite with his ex-wife and child who reside in Australia.

8

Munna and Shai's Friendship

While delivering laundry, Munna encounters Shai and they form a friendship. Shai appreciates Munna's perspective on life and quickly develops a bond, which involves him showing her the realities of Mumbai.

Mumbai
9

Struggles of a Dhobi

Munna faces challenges in balancing his work as a Dhobi with his dream of entering Bollywood. Despite the hardships, he finds time to help Shai photograph the lives of the less fortunate, while also harboring feelings for her.

10

Yasmin's Growing Despair

As Arun continues to watch Yasmin's diaries, he notices a shift in her demeanor. Her last video conveys distress, revealing that her marriage is falling apart and hinting at darker thoughts about her future.

Arun's apartment
11

Shai's Surveillance

Unbeknownst to Arun, Shai discovers his new address through Munna and starts photographing him from a nearby construction site. This begins a cycle of interactions that blur the lines between their lives.

Opposite Arun's apartment
12

Tragedy Strikes Munna

Munna faces a devastating blow when he learns of his brother's death, forcing his family to relocate. This tragedy propels Munna to further seek opportunities in the film industry while battling his grief.

13

Confrontation with Shai

Arun apologizes to Shai for their earlier encounter, prompting mixed emotions in Munna, who feels betrayed. Despite his jealousy, Munna reluctantly continues to help Shai with her project.

Arun's apartment
14

Final Video from Yasmin

Arun watches the last video from Yasmin, where she hints at suicide after encountering infidelity in her marriage. Distraught by the emotional weight of her message, Arun decides to flee to escape the haunted memories.

Arun's apartment
15

Reconnecting

After a series of tumultuous events, Munna tries to reach out to Shai after initially pushing her away. He runs through traffic to provide her with Arun's new address, marking a moment of hope for their friendship.

Mumbai

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)

More About Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries)

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