Synopsis
The first season of “Mumbai Girl’ is structured as follows:
ACT ONE (Episode 1-3) introduces us to RIA, who is one of India’s top engineers, but who is deprived of opportunities because of her gender, including a promotion that is given to the narcissistic VENU. After a near-death experience, Ria realizes that life is fleeting, and nearing 30, she must start taking her future seriously if she is to wed and start a family of her own. Ria begins to abandon her feelings for her college crush SURAJ, who moved to America in favor of AKASH, an eligible bachelor her aunt MADHURI intends to set her up with in an arranged marriage.
At work, Ria’s best childhood friend, ESHA, will be courted by NARESH, who is not like other arrogant Indian suitors, but is in a caste system below hers. Meanwhile, her work rival, NEHA, will meddle in her social life, as will Esha’s mother, AMRITA, who constantly tries to set her up with inferior men. A new opportunity becomes available to work in the United States for a year, but rumors of corporate espionage -- and the beliefs of old-fashioned parents who do not trust Americans -- threaten to hinder such progress for Ria.
ACT TWO (Episode 4-8) furthers Ria’s ambition, as the opportunity to work in the United States becomes a reality. Ria’s feelings for Suraj are rekindled when she hears about his car accident, which leaves her feeling helpless and frustrated. She struggles to decide if she should follow her heart or follow tradition in finding her appropriate mate.
Ria’s mother, SUSHMA, searches for a new maid and finds VEENA BAI, an acid burn victim who intends to save money to attend law school and seek justice for abused women like herself.
Ria’s brother, ROHIT, becomes mysterious and secretive. Esha discovers that he is doing something illegal for the good of his community, but he swears her to secrecy. Just as Esha starts to have feelings for Naresh, Neha uses lies and gossip to her against him.
When Ria’s friend AARTI goes missing, she finds out that she has been a victim of an arranged marriage to an abusive groom and his abusive family. Ria must step in to save her friend, but become aware of the risks associated with arranged marriages and dowries. Venu secretly develops feelings for Ria.
ACT THREE (Episodes 9-12) begins when Ria finds out that Suraj has a girlfriend. When Akash finally proposes marriage, Akash’s family asks for an astronomical dowry.
Esha and Naresh work through their problems and intend to commemorate their relationship with a special date, but Esha is falsely arrested for corporate espionage. Thinking Esha abandoned him, Naresh decides to go to the United States.
Aarti bids thanks and farewell to Ria before she goes off to live her life as an interior decorator. Ria gives her work bonus to Veena to help put her through law school. Ria’s friend INDIRA, is badly beaten for being what Americans would consider an LGBTQ person.
Ria ultimately decides that the opportunity in the United States will be the best decision for her and her loved ones.