A Suitable Boy first look: Tanya Maniktala as Lata, Ishaan Khatter, Tabu as Maan and Saeeda Bai

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Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy, one of the longest English language novels, is getting its screen adaptation as a 6-part BBC series.
A Suitable Boy

TLI Staff

New Delhi: Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy is now a TV series. One of the longest English language novels ever, A Suitable Boy is set in 1951 in post-independence India and tells the story of a 19-year-old college student Lata whose mother is determined to find her a suitable boy.

Adapted by Andrew Davies, directed by Mira Nair, and produced by Lookout Point, the six-part series stars Tanya Maniktala (Lata), Ishan Khatter (Maan), Saeeda Bai (Tabu), Savita Kapoor (Rasika Duggal), Mrs Rupa Mehra (Mahira Kakkar) in important roles among others.

A Suitable Boy begins in the fictional town of Brahmpur, located on the Ganges between Banares and Patna. Brahmpur, along with Calcutta, Delhi, Kanpur and other Indian cities, forms a colourful backdrop for the emerging stories.

The TV series is shot across different cities of India including Lucknow and Maheshwar.

BBC Press Office released the first look of four of the numerous characters the TV series will have.

 

 In the first image Tanya Maniktala who’s playing the lead role of Lata is all smiles as her doting mother Mrs Rupa Mehra (Mahira Kakkar) is looking at her earring intently.

In another image Maan Kapoor(Ishaan Khatter) politician Mahesh Kapoor’s wayward son is seen infatuated with Saeeda Bai (Tabu), a courtesan.

“It was with some anxiety that I agreed to my book being put on the screen, but I’m glad I did. With Andrew adapting and Mira directing, I feel that my story is in safe yet inspiring hands,” Vikram Seth had earlier said in a press statement.

“Vikram tells the story of a free India and our people with wit, clarity and love – I am deeply honoured to be the one bringing this intimate, epic tale of an unseen India to the world. Today, A Suitable Boy is timelier than ever. With a mix of legendary and cutting-edge actors from the subcontinent, shooting entirely on location in palaces, villages and streets across northern India, we will keep the history and dream of an alternate India alive,” said Mira Nair about directing the series.

Tabu has earlier worked with Mira Nair in Namesake. The series is expected to release by mid 2020.