Life in Shanghai for an Indian Expat: Tony the Tailor and跨文化
What it’s like being Indian in China for 21 years
Max Chernov travels to Shanghai to meet Tony, a celebrity tailor from India who has spent over two decades in China. Tony shares the biggest differences between daily life in Shanghai and Mumbai, discusses whether India and China can be long-term friends, and explains how women’s freedom in Shanghai can surprise many Indians. The conversation covers Tony’s tailoring workshop, how the two cultures compare in daily living, and what it feels like to be Indian in China. The episode also reflects on life back in India, the allure of Shanghai’s lifestyle, and Tony’s journey into tailoring, including moments of regret and thoughts on aging. The host helps bridge understanding between locals and foreigners, emphasizing cultural exchange and mutual appreciation across Asia.
--- Max Chernov
December 16, 2025, Winter in China
