Netflix Adapting Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ With Freida Pinto

MUMBAI (IANS) – Freida Pinto is set to star in Netflix’s upcoming series “Unaccustomed Earth,” an adaptation of the acclaimed short story collection by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Pinto will portray the character of Parul Chaudhury in the series, which was initially announced in April. Netflix has commissioned eight episodes for the show, as previously reported by Variety.com.

The official tagline describes the series as “an epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant drama about a tight-knit Indian American community navigating love, desire, and belonging.” It further elaborates, “Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge. When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long-lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born and new battle lines are drawn in this intensely interconnected immigrant community.”

Pinto rose to prominence with her breakout role in Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire,” which marked her cinematic debut. Her filmography also includes “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Knight of Cups,” “Hillbilly Elegy,” and “Mr. Malcolm’s List.” On television, Pinto is known for her roles in series such as “Guerilla,” “Surface,” and “The Path.”

John Wells will co-write the adaptation alongside Madhuri Shekar. Nisha Ganatra, who originally optioned the book and developed the series, will also serve as an executive producer. Lahiri herself will executive produce, joined by Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow of JWP, and Celia Costas. Warner Bros. Television, where Wells has an overall deal, will be the production company.

This marks the latest adaptation of a Jhumpa Lahiri work for the screen. Her novel “The Namesake” was previously adapted into a film in 2006, starring Kal Penn, Tabu, and the late Irrfan Khan. Directed by Mira Nair, “The Namesake” explored the story of immigrant Bengali parents, Ashima and Ashoke, as they adjusted to life in America, while their son Gogol navigated his identity between two distinct cultures.