Vikrant Massey to open real-life Musafir Cafes in Dharamshala and Uttarakhand

Vikrant Massey reveals plans to open real life Musafir Cafes in Dharamshala and Uttarakhand (Image Credits Instagram and Netflix)

Vikrant Massey and wife Sheetal Thakur are bringing the world of 'Musafir Cafe' to life with two real-life cafés in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Inspired by the famed OTT series in which Massey plays Chander, the spaces will combine food, coffee and books with around 20 rooms designed as artist residencies.

The actor has revealed that work on the projects has already begun, with the cafés targeted for launch by summer next year.

Vikrant Massey is bringing Musafir Café from the screen to real life

Vikrant Massey is turning the fictional world of Musafir Café into a real-life destination. The actor, along with his wife Sheetal Thakur, is working on two cafés inspired by the OTT series, one in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and the other in Uttarakhand.According to a recent report by Mid Day, the cafés are being designed along the lines of the space seen in the series, where Massey plays Chander.

The concept will go beyond being a conventional café, with dedicated spaces intended to accommodate artists and allow them to work amid nature.The report also stated that construction is already underway, with the café being designed to mirror its on-screen counterpart. The space will also include areas where artists can live and work, with around 20 rooms planned as artist residencie

Musafir Cafe concept inspired by the response to the OTT show

The idea reportedly took shape following the response to the series and the interest from viewers in experiencing its world beyond the screen.

Massey said fans had initially suggested that he open a Musafir Café in the hills. However, he was also aware that cafés inspired by Divya Prakash Dubey’s book Musafir Cafe, on which the series is based, had already emerged after the book was published around a decade ago. The project aims to translate the atmosphere and philosophy of the series into a physical space rather than simply capitalising on its title.Explaining how the idea for the new spaces developed, Massey said to the afore mentioned publication, “I was chatting with Divya, Sharanya Rajgopal [show creator], and Vijay Subramaniam [founder of Collective Artistes Network] about how it would be a great idea to recreate the on-screen experience of the show in real life.”

What will the Musafir Cafes offer?

The planned cafés will combine hospitality with creative spaces. Visitors will be able to access food, coffee and books, while the surrounding natural environment is intended to offer a setting away from the pace of urban life. The project will also include around 20 rooms designed as artist residencies. These spaces are intended to give artists an opportunity to stay, work on projects and spend time away from the city.

Massey hopes the cafés will allow visitors to escape the “hustle and bustle and chaos of the city” while creating an environment conducive to creativity and work.The Dharamshala and Uttarakhand locations also align with the show's broader appeal, bringing its travel-oriented and introspective setting into real-world spaces.

When will Vikrant Massey’s Musafir Cafes open?

Work on both projects is already underway, according to the report. Massey is aiming to launch the cafés by “summer next year”.If the timeline remains on track, the two locations will eventually function not only as cafés but also as spaces where visitors can eat, read, relax and spend time in nature, while artists can use the dedicated residencies to develop their work.

Vikrant Massey’s work slate

Vikrant Massey has a busy film slate ahead. Apart from 'Musafir Cafe', Massey was seen in 'Pritam and Pedro' and Vishal Bhardwaj's 'O' Romeo' alongside Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. Additionally, Massey has joined the cast of Ajay Devgn's 'Chauhaan' and continues to headline the second season of Netflix's 'Musafir Cafe', reprising his famed role in the series.