Michael Hussey Visits Dharavi with Reality Tours & Travel, and what seemed like an ordinary day quickly turned into an unforgettable experience for all of us.
As I sipped my usual morning chai, a colleague casually mentioned that we had a “Michael Hussey” booked on one of our Dharavi walking tours. I brushed it off, thinking it was someone who just happened to share the legendary cricketer’s name. But then our guide shared a selfie with the man himself—Mr. Cricket in the flesh. The office erupted. Cricket lovers that we are, Kartik (our talented videographer) and I knew we had to meet him.
Halfway through the tour, we finally caught up with him. Michael Hussey was walking the vibrant, narrow lanes of Dharavi, soaking in the sights and stories with his family. Once the tour wrapped up and we returned to our Reception Centre, we mustered the courage to ask if he’d be open to a short interview. To our delight, he graciously agreed. What followed was one of the most surreal, fanboy moments of our lives—and a heartfelt, insightful conversation we’ll never forget.
Here’s how it unfolded.
Beyond the Stereotypes: What Michael Hussey Saw in Dharavi
In the opening moments, Hussey shared what most surprised him about Dharavi:
“It was amazing. For something that seems so chaotic, it’s actually very well organised. Everyone has their jobs. They go about their work every day.”
Hussey walked the narrow alleyways and met locals going about their lives—tailors, potters, leather workers, and more. He called it a “massive cultural shock,” not in a negative way, but in the sense that it gave his kids—and himself—an eye-opening perspective into a very different world than the wide, open suburbs of Australia.
His biggest takeaway?
“Just how hardworking everyone is.”
That’s a sentiment we at Reality Tours hear often from visitors. And it’s one of the reasons our Dharavi tour has been running for about 20 years now: to challenge stereotypes and replace them with understanding, appreciation, and respect.
“Your Food Puts Ours to Shame”
Michael lit up when talking about Indian food, describing it as “an explosion of flavor” compared to the comparatively “bland” food back home.
“I love a good dal makhani… and all the vegetable curries too.”
It was fun watching him talk about food with the enthusiasm of someone who clearly knows what he likes. Let’s just say the local spice levels didn’t scare him off—though he admits he prefers it on the milder side.
“In India, Cricketers Are Gods”
When asked about moments in India that strike him as unusual or unique, Hussey shared how awestruck he always is by the passion Indian fans show for cricket:
“Around any cricket ground, the players are seen as gods. We’ve got MS Dhoni in our team, and wherever he goes, he just gets mobbed. You don’t see that in Australia.”
Having been part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he’s seen that madness up close. And when asked to predict this year’s IPL winner, he stayed loyal to his team:
“I’m still hoping CSK can make a late run. But Delhi are playing well… and RCB looks good too.”
Bonus QnA: What Didn’t Make the Final Cut
In addition to the interview captured on video, we had a few bonus questions that didn’t make it to the edit. Here’s one we couldn’t help but ask:
Q: “Australia used to be super aggressive on the field. What changed?”
Hussey (laughing): “We never thought so. But the world did.”
To which I joked, “You guys were so dominant, it just felt intimidating for everyone else!” He grinned in agreement.
And finally, if he were lost in the winding lanes of Dharavi without GPS, which teammate would he want by his side?
“Matthew Hayden. He’d talk to anyone and get the right information to help us out.”
A Word for Dharavi from Michael Hussey
As the interview wrapped up, we asked Michael for one word or thought he’d like to share with the people of Dharavi.
“Thanks very much for having us. Great experience. I hope the redevelopment goes well and that people can move into some new places as quickly as possible.”
Why This Tour Mattered
At Reality Tours & Travel, moments like these aren’t just about celebrity sightings. They’re about human connection. Michael Hussey didn’t just visit Dharavi—he saw it. He walked its lanes, met its people, and came away with a deeper understanding of what makes this community so special.
If you’re inspired to experience this for yourself, join us on a Dharavi tour. Whether you’re a cricket legend or a curious traveller, we promise you’ll walk away with stories worth telling.
The post From the Pitch to the People: Michael Hussey Visits Dharavi with Reality Tours appeared first on Reality Tours & Travel.