Mumbai’s Auto Drivers Share Their Stories With Foodpharmer on Rethink India

In the first episode of his new show Rethink India, Revant Himatsingka (better known as Foodpharmer) takes us on an unexpected journey into the lives of Mumbai’s auto-rickshaw drivers. The first episode tackles something we’ve all experienced but rarely understood – the world behind the meter of Mumbai’s three-wheelers.

The episode opens with familiar questions that every Mumbaikar has pondered:

Why do auto drivers reject passengers? Why do they drive so recklessly? And the eternal mystery – why are they all such devoted Salman Khan fans?

But rather than speculating, Revant sits down with two auto drivers from the Andheri-Borivali route, Mohammad Hussain and his colleague, for a conversation that quickly becomes much deeper than expected. The drivers’ candid responses to these common complaints are eye-opening.

“Sir, we haven’t refused anyone much. If we want to do business, how can we refuse?” one driver explains, challenging the widespread belief about arbitrary ride rejections.

They reveal that most refusals come from drivers without proper licenses or those trying to secure longer, more profitable rides. The conversation takes an interesting turn when they discuss their approach to passengers, explaining how they prioritize elderly passengers and often assist women travelers, not just out of duty but genuine concern.

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Perhaps the most revealing part of the episode comes when they break down their financial reality. While their monthly earnings of around INR 39,000 might sound impressive, the mathematics of their profession tells a different story. With INR 6,500 going towards auto EMI, INR 7,800 for fuel, INR 15,000 for family food expenses, and additional costs like children’s tuition and house rent, the seemingly substantial income quickly evaporates. “No matter how much a rickshaw driver earns… you can’t save like this. You have to spend,” one driver confesses, highlighting the precarious nature of their financial situation.

The conversation takes an unexpected emotional turn when education enters the discussion. Both drivers share their dreams of providing better education for their children, but face heartbreaking barriers. One driver reveals how his child was denied admission to a good school simply because he himself wasn’t educated, despite being able to afford the fees.

“My wife is educated… They said, your husband is not educated. He won’t get admission. I said, I am paying the fees,” he recalls, his voice carrying the weight of generational struggles.

Working conditions form another crucial part of the discussion. The drivers work 12-hour shifts for 26 days a month, challenging the notion that their earnings come easily. “We work on the road all day. He is driving in the sun. No one sees that,” one driver points out, addressing the physical toll of their profession. They also share stories about dealing with drunk passengers, handling difficult situations, and maintaining dignity in challenging circumstances.

And yes, they finally address the Salman Khan phenomenon with refreshing honesty and humor. “His fashionality is very good… his style is good,” one driver explains with genuine enthusiasm, confirming the special connection between Mumbai’s auto drivers and their favorite Bollywood star. They even admit to taking time off for first-day shows of his movies, adding a touch of joy to their otherwise demanding routine.

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So, what’s our takeaway from the first episode of this show?

The first episode of Rethink India succeeds in giving Mumbai’s auto drivers something they rarely get – a chance to tell their own story. Through this simple yet meaningful conversation, the host aims to encourage and help viewers understand the real lives of the drivers beyond the meter. While the financial insights and work conditions are eye-opening, it’s the personal stories about education, family struggles, and dreams that really strike a chord. The casual setting keeps things authentic, though including a female auto driver’s perspective would have added another valuable dimension to the conversation. What stands out is how naturally Revant encourages us to challenge our preconceptions without being preachy – a skill he’s clearly mastered from his previous campaigns. If making us “rethink India” was the goal, this episode definitely succeeds in making us rethink our view of the people who keep Mumbai moving.