Can Lata’s mum find her a suitable boy?

Being plucked from obscurity to take the lead in a major production sounds like the story of a Hollywood movie, but for Tanya Maniktala, it’s the tale of her life.

She’s now winning hearts and minds as Lata, the lead character in the BBC’s six-part adaptation of Vikram Seth’s epic novel A Suitable Boy. But before the role came along, things were very different indeed.

“Just a few days before I got the call for the audition my friend and I were discussing this book and how Lata and Malati’s relationship was very much like ours,” she recalls. “I was working as a copywriter and I was very happy with my life.

“A few days later, a friend called me and asked me to come for an audition but didn’t tell me what it was for. My friend is a huge fan of the book. I get goose bumps now when I remember showing up for the audition and how it was for A Suitable Boy and the role of Lata.”

The young star is still pinching herself: “Every day on set feels like a dream – from the cars, to the sets and the costumes. I can’t believe that this has actually happened. I feel so humbled and grateful for this wonderful opportunity. I can’t believe this is my life.

“There are so many people around me who encourage me and give me that boost of confidence whenever I feel low. I’m honestly so grateful for it all.”

One of the highlights of the experience has been getting the chance to work with Mira Nair, the legendary Indian-American director of Mississippi Masala and Salaam Bombay! A Suitable Boy is her first TV series.

“Mira is phenomenal; she’s the best director that anybody could ask for,” says Tanya. “It’s so easy for any artist to deliver when they know what the director wants from them and that’s so important since it’s my first time working on such a huge-scale project. I couldn’t have been luckier. I’m honestly honoured to have her directing me and this cast.

“Mira gave me opportunities to grow and learn which is very important for me as an actor. I need to figure out my own process and she allowed me time to just be with the character, so I’m grateful. Her vision about what she wants from the book is clear and you can tell she’s in love with the book and its characters.”

This may be the beginning of the actor’s career, but expect to see a lot more of her – she’s sure to be snapped up by Hollywood soon. Before then, we have four more episodes of her performance as the headstrong Lata to enjoy, beginning with this week’s edition in which she still cannot please her mother.

Now living in Calcutta, Lata is forming a bond with poet Amit Chatterji, who is deemed unsuitable by Mrs Mehra. She decides the time has come to enlist a friend to help her find her daughter a husband – but her choice doesn’t meet with Lata’s approval.

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