HISTORY LESSON
BRITISH India won its independence in August 1947. It then split into two new states that would rule themselves; India and Pakistan (East Pakistan has since become Bangladesh).
Millions of people were forced to leave their homes and move to the other state because of partition.
India was formed mostly of Hindu regions, while Pakistan was mostly Muslim areas, and there were mounting tensions between the religious groups.
Discussing the political and historical side of A Suitable Boy, Tanya says: “It’s a vital part of all of our lives. At the end of the day, we are all just humans, and it’s not about being a Hindu or a Muslim – it’s all of us being affected by the partition and the aftermath of it.”
Tanya grew up with stories from her grandfather, who is originally from Lahore (a city in what is now Pakistan), about when he came to India.
“And after shooting A Suitable Boy, I spoke to him about the partition, because I understood his stories are not stories – it’s the reality.
“He was remembering his older brother who brought him to India, and he almost lost his life, so I feel
GREAT CONTINENTAL RAILWAY JOURNEYS Wednesday, BBC2, 8pm
NEW series. Armed with a 1936 edition of Bradshaw’s Continental Railway Guide, Michael Portillo ventures onto the European rail network.
In the city of Salamanca in north-western Spain, Michael visits the University to hear of opposition to the fascist takeover of Spain by General Francisco Franco.
Travelling to the capital city of Madrid, Michael hears how the bombing of a small town in the Basque region in 1937 inspired one of the 20th century’s most shocking works of art, before making his way to Huesca.
Michael’s final stop is on the border with France at Canfranc station, where he learns of the
ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU: MAKE DO AND MEND Thursday, Channel 4, 8pm
IN THIS series, Dick and Angel Strawbridge help families across Blighty tackle their design and DIY dilemmas.
From their home in France, via
BRITISH ACADEMY TELEVISION AWARDS 2020 Friday, BBC1, 7pm
TWO months after it was due to take place, Richard Ayoade will host the socially distant ceremony from a closed studio.
Lee Mack could win another Bafta for his work on Would I Lie To You? while the Crown is up for Best Drama Series. Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge is nominated for Best Actress, along with Sian Clifford as her screen sister.
Who will (virtually) win what? There’s only one way to find out.