A Suitable Boy
Stars Tanya Maniktala Tabu on
afraid of making mistakes. I would say A Suitable Boy is a love story, but it’s also Lata finding love in herself and the potential to be able to love somebody else as well. TABU: Saeeda is larger than life. The way she lives isn’t like a common person from society.
She’s a courtesan and singer. It’s a tradition she’s been born into. She has to entertain men of power for a living with her music, her body, her beauty and her charm. She’s someone who has come to terms with her life but knows there’s a better world of respect and dignity that women can lead.
What can you tell us about their love interests?
TANYA: Lata has three main suitors. She meets Kabir [played by Danesh Razvi] in the university library and is very passionate with him. Amit [Mikhail Sen] is a great poet and author. They’re likeminded and connect through books and words. Then there’s shoe manufacturer Haresh [Namit Das] – the most unsuitable boy! They have nothing in common but share vulnerability.
TABU: Saeeda is completely overwhelmed when Maan, a young boy from a respectable political family, falls madly in love with her. She tries to protect herself from his love, because she knows the danger. But when he brings her a book just because she’s fond of poetry, she realises this is pure and gives in to that feeling of being respected and desired by a man because he values her as a person with a spirit.
Who are the other important people in their worlds?
TANYA: Lata’s relationship with her mother Rupa is like any mother and daughter. It’s doting, it’s strained, it’s everything! They have tiffs, but they really care for each other and want what’s best for the other. They’re both strong-headed! TABU: Saeeda wants her sister, Tasneem [Joyeeta Dutta], to study and have the life that a normal, respectable family would give her, to find a nice house, be married and have a good life. Saeeda can’t break her own destiny, but she doesn’t want the life of a courtesan for Tasneem.
Had you read Vikram Seth’s novel beforehand?
TANYA: I’m still in the process of reading it! I’ve been through the audio book twice. Vikram was on set often and so helpful. My best friend loves this book. When I revealed I got the role, she told me that if I didn’t do a good job, we’d be over!
TABU: I haven’t read the book, but the script is extensive and descriptive and I made sure I spoke to Vikram before filming. I was keen to understand from him Saeeda’s motives and innermost truth. Vikram was very enlightening!
In 1951, after partition, tensions were building, and India’s first national democratic election loomed. How does this affect your characters?
TANYA: The political background plays a vital part in all their lives. Everyone – from Lata and her mother to Maan – is affected. TABU: Saeeda’s life is affected, too. Courtesans lived on the patronage of powerful people and politicians. Once everything changes, her life will get impacted by that.
THE POLITICAL BACKGROUND PLAYS A VITAL PART IN ALL THEIR LIVES
On a lighter note, was it fun to work on such a lavish production? TANYA: I loved the costumes! Also, filming on location in India adds so much authenticity.
TABU: I think my part was the most glamorous in the show! There was always music on set and I got to sing beautiful songs and wear beautiful, exotic costumes, with complete hair and make-up – it almost felt like a Bollywood heroine!