The book, which takes place in the 1950s and features various interreligious relationships and friendships, has remained popular with readers due to its relatable family dramas and its portrayal of what it means to be a secular, independent citizen. After several failed attempts, the beloved novel has finally been adapted into a new six-part series directed by Mira Nair. The show received praise in Britain for being the network's first prime-time drama filmed in India with an almost entirely Indian cast. However, in India, there has been controversy with members of the ruling Hindu nationalist party calling for a boycott over its portrayal of interfaith romance, leading to an investigation by police. In the United States, the series debuted on Acorn TV without any boycotts. Nair, who grew up in India but is based in New York, humorously referred to the show as "'The Crown' in Brown" due to its grand story and production. However, beyond its scale and prestige, the project holds significant personal and political importance for her. Nair explained that she wanted to create a reflection of the world she felt was drifting further away, particularly drawn to the 1950s as it was the year her parents got married. She noted that this was a time of secularism and idealism, where Indians were taking influence from the English but making it their own. The novel "A Suitable Boy" was written amidst the rise of Hindu nationalist politics in India following violent events, such as the destruction of a mosque in Ayodhya in 1992. The story is set in the aftermath of the 1947 division of India by the British, which led to the creation of Pakistan along religious lines. His method was to write a witty and dramatic comedy about a mother's efforts at Indian matchmaking, creating a complex and emotional story involving four affluent families, forbidden love, religious tolerance, and political tensions after Partition. The novel became a classic portrayal of India's early years. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to adapt the book, the author personally selected screenwriter Andrew Davies for the project, following his successful adaptation of "War and Peace" in 2016. As the author worked on a sequel, he entrusted his sister to oversee the adaptation's integrity. The BBC approved the series in 2017, with director Nair joining the project the following year. Setting aside the humorous comparisons, the "Suitable" adaptation, though sharing similarities with "The Crown" in terms of drama and scope, did not have a budget as large as the House of Windsor drama. To be able to afford the desired locations and period detail, the production had to reduce the number of episodes from eight to six and simplify the complex narrative of the book. Aradhana Seth emphasized the importance of approaching adaptations with a fresh perspective and leaving the original book aside. Instead of trying to cover all the central characters in the novel, the TV adaptation focuses mainly on two young protagonists, Lata and Maan, who are navigating adulthood during India's first post-independence elections in 1952. While Maan becomes involved in his father's election campaign in the countryside, exposing him to the broader politics of caste and religion, Lata learns to forge her own path despite her mother's insistence on finding her a suitable Hindu husband. Maniktala commented on Lata's youthful energy and her optimistic outlook on life, mentioning that she is a recent university graduate who has yet to fully experience the world. Filming for the project was finished in India in December, and director Nair took a break from editing in London to visit New York in March. However, her plans were disrupted when international borders closed due to the coronavirus. In a video interview, Nair showed how she edited the show with her team from different locations using multiple screens. Even the music for the show was composed remotely, with a full orchestra in Budapest, Hungary, and the composers, Alex Heffes and sitarist Anoushka Shankar, in Los Angeles and London. The show received acclaim in mainstream British press for its representation on the BBC, but South Asian critics were less impressed, criticizing the English dialogue and accents. There was also controversy over why an 84-year-old Welsh writer was chosen to adapt the iconic story of modern India and a young woman's romantic journey. Despite social media backlash, Vikram Seth defended the choice of writer, Andrew Davies, stating that "race should have nothing to do with it." Davies himself explained that he was chosen for his experience in adapting long books, rather than his Indian background. His previous TV adaptations include "Bleak House" and "Pride and Prejudice." He expressed feeling defensive of his position as a writer and emphasized his right to empathize with diverse characters. Raised in a secular Hindu family, Nair advocated for reintegrating the novel's political themes into the screenplay. She aimed to shift the focus away from marriage plots to emphasize the importance of political issues in India. Nair also strove to incorporate Hindi and Urdu dialogue into the script while navigating the constraints of BBC broadcasting. When asked about balancing her Indian perspective with British television standards, she laughed. “It was a delightful struggle, if I may say so.” This is a familiar challenge for Nair, who is experienced in the battles for more accurate and artistic portrayals of South Asians on Western screens. She has created many well-received films about India and its diaspora that focus on social issues rooted in everyday life. According to Amardeep Singh, a professor at Lehigh University, Nair's work on "A Suitable Boy" aligns well with her previous films like "Monsoon Wedding" and "Salaam Bombay!" as she explores the changes in modern India. The series was filmed in real cities, showcasing both their grandeur and decay, to capture a midcentury Indian minimalism. A mansion in Lucknow was transformed into the home of Saeeda Bai, a Muslim singer and courtesan, symbolizing an aristocratic Islamic court culture that was fading at the start of the story. Tabu, one of India's most acclaimed actors, portrays the character of Saeeda in Mira Nair's film. Saeeda's poetry, singing, and beauty captivate Maan, the son of a powerful Hindu politician. Tabu emphasized Mira's focus on portraying women accurately on screen, highlighting Saeeda's ethereal and untouchable presence in society. Maan, played by Khatter, acknowledged the significance of interfaith love stories in a diverse country like India, drawing from his own experience as the son of parents from different religions. The filming concluded just before protests erupted in December over a controversial law excluding Muslim migrants from Indian citizenship. Sadaf Jafar, who portrays Saeeda's servant, Bibbo, took part in the protests and was subsequently arrested and beaten by police during a violent crackdown. Despite warnings from friends, Nair initiated a public campaign for Jafar's release, quoting poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz: "Speak, for your lips are still free." In light of the challenging political climate for artists, Nair's actions may seem risky. The multiculturalism depicted in "A Suitable Boy" appears to be fading, but Maniktala, who plays Lata, finds hope and kindness in Vikram Seth's story still relevant. Reflecting on her own family's experiences during the 1947 partition, Maniktala became emotional, underscoring the enduring impact of historical trauma. She emphasized the significance of pain and the lessons it brings. She expressed concern about the decreasing empathy in society and stressed the importance of remembering our roots.