A Suitable Boy - 2020

A Suitable Boy

"A Suitable Boy" is a six-part television series based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Vikram Seth. Set in post-independence India, the series follows the story of Mrs. Rupa Mehra, a young woman coming of age in a newly-formed country, as she navigates family expectations, tradition, and love. With a talented cast, stunning visuals, and an engaging storyline, "A Suitable Boy" offers a captivating glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage and the complexities of modern society.

Table of contents 

• Details

• Story

• Release

• Casting

• Crew

• Character Analysis

• Seasons

• Behind the scenes

• Controversy

• Interesting facts

• Conclusion

• How to Book Personalised Celebrity Video Message on Tring?

Details

Story

In 1951, India had just gained independence and had undergone partition. The story centres on Mrs. Rupa Mehra (Mahira Kakkar) and her efforts to arrange the marriage of her younger daughter, Lata Mehra (Tanya Maniktala), to a "suitable boy" over 18 months as it follows four households. Lata, a 19-year-old university student, rejects the influence of her opinionated brother Arun Mehra or her controlling mother (Vivek Gomber). Her tale centres around the decision she must make regarding her suitors. 

Release

"A Suitable Boy" is a television series produced by BBC Studios and directed by Mira Nair. The series was first released in the United Kingdom on BBC One in 26 July 2020, and was later made available to audiences worldwide on the streaming platform Netflix.

The series consists of six hour-long episodes and features an ensemble cast of talented actors from India and around the world, including Tanya Maniktala as Lata Mehra, Ishaan Khatter as Maan Kapoor, and Tabu as Saeeda Bai.

"A Suitable Boy" received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, beautiful cinematography, and powerful performances, and was praised for its thoughtful exploration of Indian society and culture. The series was also lauded for its diverse representation and for breaking new ground in terms of the representation of Indian women in popular media.

Overall, "A Suitable Boy" was a highly anticipated release and has proven to be a standout series, resonating with audiences around the world and garnering praise for its artistry and cultural significance.

Casting 

• Tabu as Saeeda Bai

• Ishaan Khatter as Maan Kapoor

• Tanya Maniktala as Lata Mehra

• Mahira Kakkar as Rupa Mehra

• Rasika Dugal as Savita Kapoor née Mehra

• Shahana Goswami as Meenakshi Mehra

• Ram Kapoor as Mahesh Kapoor (State Minister of Revenue); Maan's father

• Aamir Bashir as Nawab of Baitar

• Danesh Razvi as Kabir Durrani

• Vivek Gomber as Arun Mehra

• Gagan Dev Riar as Pran Kapoor

• Geeta Agrawal Sharma as Mahesh Kapoor

• Shubham Saraf as Nawabzada Firoz Khan

• Vivaan Shah as Varun Mehra

• Namit Das as Haresh Khanna

• Mikhail Sen as Amit Chatterji

• Vijay Varma as Rasheed

• Vijay Raaz as Rashid's father

• Ranvir Shorey as Waris

• Kuldeep sareen as Munshi ji

Crew

"A Suitable Boy" is a television series that boasts an impressive crew of talented individuals who helped bring the story to life on screen. The series was produced by BBC Studios and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, known for her work on films such as "Monsoon Wedding" and "The Namesake." Nair brought her signature style to the project, infusing the series with a vibrant energy and a keen eye for detail.

Character Analysis

Tabu as Saeeda Bai

Tabu's performance as Saeeda Bai in "A Suitable Boy" is a standout element of the series, imbuing the character with a sense of mystery, sensuality, and vulnerability. Saeeda is a courtesan and singer who captivates Maan Kapoor, a young man from a wealthy family who falls in love with her. Tabu's portrayal of Saeeda is complex and multifaceted, revealing both her inner strength and her struggles.

One of the key aspects of Tabu's performance is the way she captures Saeeda's enigmatic nature. Saeeda is a woman of many secrets, and Tabu plays her with a subtle and understated quality that draws the viewer in. Her expressive eyes convey a range of emotions, from smoldering sensuality to profound sadness, adding depth and nuance to the character.

Another notable aspect of Tabu's portrayal is her singing. Saeeda is a renowned singer, and Tabu delivers mesmerizing performances that showcase her vocal prowess. Her singing adds an ethereal quality to the character and enhances the emotional impact of her scenes.

Despite her alluring exterior, Saeeda is also a woman who has faced many hardships in her life, and Tabu brings a raw vulnerability to the role that is both heart-wrenching and captivating. Through her performance, she conveys Saeeda's struggles with her past and present, and her desire to be loved and accepted.

Ishaan Khatter as Maan Kapoor

Ishaan Khatter's portrayal of Maan Kapoor in "A Suitable Boy" is a captivating and dynamic performance that brings depth and complexity to the character. Maan is a young man from a wealthy family who falls in love with Saeeda Bai, a courtesan and singer. Khatter's performance captures the character's journey from a carefree, impulsive young man to a more mature and responsible adult.

One of the most notable aspects of Khatter's performance is the way he captures Maan's youthful exuberance and energy. He plays the character with a vibrant energy, infusing him with a sense of recklessness and spontaneity that is both endearing and frustrating. This quality is particularly evident in Maan's interactions with Saeeda, as he becomes increasingly obsessed with her and risks everything to be with her.

Tanya Maniktala as Lata Mehra

Tanya Maniktala's portrayal of Lata Mehra in "A Suitable Boy" is a standout performance that brings depth, nuance, and relatability to the character. Lata is a young woman living in newly independent India in the 1950s, struggling to find her place in a society that has strict ideas about gender roles and family obligations. Maniktala's performance captures Lata's journey as she grapples with these societal expectations while trying to navigate her own desires and aspirations.

One of the most notable aspects of Maniktala's performance is the way she conveys Lata's inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. She plays the character with a quiet intensity, conveying Lata's struggles and doubts through subtle facial expressions and body language. As Lata navigates various romantic relationships, Maniktala brings a raw vulnerability to the character that makes her both relatable and sympathetic.

Seasons

Behind the scenes

Play

Behind the scenes of the series, a team of talented actors, writers, and filmmakers worked to bring the story to life. The series was directed by Mira Nair and written by Andrew Davies, with a cast that included Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, and Tanya Maniktala. The production team faced challenges in recreating the period setting and costumes, but ultimately succeeded in creating a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation of Seth's novel. 

Controversy 

The series' portrayal of the protagonist character, a Hindu girl named Lata, passionately kissing a Muslim male in front of a temple, according to legislators from the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), had "hurt religious emotions" of Hindus.

Interesting facts

• "A Suitable Boy" is a novel by Indian author Vikram Seth, which was first published in 1993. It is one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language, with over 1,500 pages.

• The novel is set in the post-independence India of the 1950s and follows the story of four families over a period of 18 months. The book explores themes of love, politics, and identity in the context of a rapidly changing society.

• The television series adaptation of "A Suitable Boy" premiered on BBC One in the UK in 2020. The series was directed by Mira Nair and written by Andrew Davies.

• The cast of the series includes some of India's most acclaimed actors, including Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, and Tanya Maniktala.

• The series was shot on location in India, with many of the scenes filmed in Lucknow, a city in northern India that served as the inspiration for the fictional city of Brahmpur in the novel.

• The production team faced a number of challenges in recreating the period setting of the story, including sourcing authentic costumes and props from the 1950s.

• The soundtrack of the series includes a mix of classical Indian music and contemporary songs, with a score composed by Alex Heffes and Anoushka Shankar.

• The series was well-received by critics, who praised its visual beauty and the strength of its ensemble cast.

• Despite its length, the novel has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold millions of copies around the world.

• "A Suitable Boy" has been adapted for the stage, with a theatrical production premiering in the UK in 2018. The production was directed by the acclaimed theatre director Mira Nair, who also directed the television series.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, "A Suitable Boy" is a complex and thought-provoking work of literature that explores the lives of four families in post-independence India. Vikram Seth's epic novel examines themes of love, politics, and identity in the context of a rapidly changing society, and the television series adaptation brought these themes to life with a talented cast and visually stunning production. 

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