‘Musafir Hain Hum Bhi’: Remembering Masaan, 10 Years Later

Ten years ago, a film marked the debut of two individuals who went on to become the strongest pillars of Bollywood. We are talking about the debuts of actor Vicky Kaushal and director Neeraj Ghaywan. Written by Varun Grover, the film narrates parallel tales of grief, caste, love, and liberation set against the spiritual backdrop of Varanasi.

At a time when stellar star casts and party songs dominated Bollywood, Masaan arrived with poetic stillness. It told the story of Deepak (Vicky Kaushal), a young man from a lower caste who works at a cremation ghat, and Devi (Richa Chadha), a woman fighting against societal shame after a tragedy. The love story of Shaalu (Shweta Tripathi) and Deepak beautifully captures the charm of the still lakes of the Varanasi Ghats. 

Kaushal, who made his film debut with Masaan, shared a heartfelt post on social media marking the occasion. He wrote a caption accompanying behind-the-scenes photos with the cast and crew:

“It’s been a decade! So much to learn, so much to grow… Thank you for everything. Musafir hain hum bhi, musafir ho tum bhi. Kisi mod par phir mulaqat hogi.” 

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A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

Shweta Tripathi also celebrated the milestone by sharing a heartfelt trip down memory lane. She went on to thank Neeraj, Varun, Richa, and Vicky as the film turned 10. 

The Film That Brought In New Talents To Bollywood

The film tackled issues of caste discrimination, patriarchal norms, and societal hypocrisy with quiet conviction. It went on to earn its screenings at prestigious festivals like Cannes and the New York Dalit Film Festival, and ended up cementing its place in progressive Indian cinema.

Masaan is a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and the human need for closure, told through the intersecting lives of Devi and Deepak in the heart of Varanasi. Devi battles societal shame and personal trauma after a tragic encounter, forced to grieve in silence as she’s judged for her desires. Deepak, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal in a breakout role, grapples with caste, love, and devastating loss after the sudden death of his girlfriend. Through these tender, intersecting narratives, Masaan reveals how grief takes many forms, public and private, explosive and muted and how healing is often found not in forgetting, but in moving forward with the weight of memory.

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A post shared by Shweta Tripathi (@battatawada)

Director Neeraj Ghaywan has since gone on to become a notable figure in Indian filmmaking. His sharp direction and attention to social detail have earned Masaan a place in the history of socially acclaimed Bollywood classics. Post Masaan, Ghaywan directed more critically acclaimed films. His latest, Homebound, was widely praised at the Cannes Film Festival and is all set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival 2025.