There have been a lot of rumours surrounding the web-series adaptation of the Vikram Seth-authored iconic novel A Suitable Boy. Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair has been entrusted with the responsibility of directing the ambitious project for BBC Studios. While Nair’s name had been confirmed as the helmer months ago, now the names of actors who will play important characters in the series have also been dropped.
Mira Nair has cast her favourite actress Tabu to play the lead character in the series. The duo has previously worked together on The Namesake (2006). They will collaborate again after a huge gap of more than a decade. Beyond the Clouds (2018) star Ishaan Khatter has also been roped in for an important role.
“Tabu signed the project not just because she was getting to reunite with her The Namesake director Mira, but she loves the character of Saeeda Bai – the courtesan from Vikram Seth’s novel. This is also the first BBC series that is being made without a single British actor in the cast. Ishaan has been signed on to play the role of Maan Kapoor”.
Confirming the development, elated Ishaan Khatter said that he feels honoured to be working on this illustrious material alongside such distinguished artists and technicians led by the indomitable Mira Nair. He added, "I hope I can satisfy her vision and give the global audience the character they deserve in Maan Kapoor."
The BBC series also stars Tanya Maniktala who was previously seen in a web-series called Flames. "I have been in a daze this whole time, and all of this still feels surreal... I am still understanding Lata and the complexities of her reality, and I hope I can deliver, but for now, I am focusing on enjoying the process and just taking it one day at a time,” said the actress.
The six-part series will be shot across India including in Lucknow and Maheshwar.