RETURN to India
THE AB FAB STAR REVISITS THE COUNTRY OF HER BIRTH
Joanna Lumley has had an Absolutely Fabulous time in India filming her fascinating new miniseries. The show follows the award-winning actress as she explores the country she was born in and the place she still calls home.
“You could spend six million years there and you wouldn’t get anywhere near to really understanding India,” says the 72-year-old. “It’s elusive and forever changing.”
The star was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, and her family ties go back several generations. Joanna Lumley’s Guide to India
was filmed last year, marking the 70th anniversary of India’s independence from Great Britain, and the series is all about exploring the rich culture and incredible landscapes the country boasts.
While filming, Joanna also had the chance to visit her mother’s childhood home.
“Some things have changed – the trees have grown, there are more buildings – but in essence, it was the same,” she recalls. “It was very, very touching. There really was something special about being there and having my mother as a little girl in mind. It’s a glimpse into another life.”
But overall, the real highlight of the trip was the kindness of everyone she encountered.
“The thing I hold in my heart is the generosity of people who’ve got absolutely nothing. There’s a kind of extraordinary grace, I’ve noticed. It is an honour for you to visit their house and to sit on their special seat. It touched me enormously.”