Actors join the cast of Indian Summers series two

Channel 4 has announced a number of personalities who have joined the cast of Indian Summers’ second series.

Rachel Griffiths, Art Malik, James Fleet, Sugandha Garg, Arjun Mathur and Blake Ritson comprise the talent joining the drama’s second run of episodes with filming underway. The series will once again explore the themes of political intrigue, terrorism, treachery, adultery and murder in Simla, “queen of hills” and the summer capital of the British Raj.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Indian Summers. I have been bingeing on UK television for the last ten years and am I’m very excited to be on board such a beautifully made and relevant show. Paul [Rutman] is an incredible creator and has created an intriguing and provocative strong character in Sirene. I am sure she will have the mountain gossips aghast.” – Rachel Griffiths

It’s the summer of 1935 – a season where old allegiances will be broken and new ones forged, where unbridled passions and adultery run roughshod over fidelity and where revolution hangs heavy in the air. An assassination attempt on the Viceroy, Lord Willingdon (Patrick Malahide) puts Ralph’s (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) future in the balance. The surprise arrival of Lord Hawthorne, played by James Fleet heralds impending change at the highest levels of the administration.

Meanwhile, Cynthia’s (Julie Walters) Royal Simla Club plays host to an important royal guest, the Maharaja Maritpur, played by Art Malik, who could make or break Ralph’s political gambles. The Maharaja is joined by Sirene, played by Rachel Griffiths, his elegant and mysterious Australian mistress who hides a surprising past.

“It’s wonderful and exciting to once again delve into this period in our history and of course to join such a fantastic cast is a delight. Paul Rutman has created the most vivid and evocative world and I cannot wait to see the waves my Maharaja shall be making in Simla’s society…” – Art Malik

Also, Aafrin (Nikesh Patel) is embroiled in an intricate, dangerous and violent game of cat and mouse as he finds himself part of the escalating independence campaign alongside the beautiful and passionate Kaira, played by Sugandha Garg, and the unpredictable and volatile Naresh, played by Arjun Mathur. And Alice’s (Jemima West) world is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of her estranged and abusive husband, Charlie Havistock, played by Blake Ritson.

“As the fight for Indian independence intensifies, all those who converge in Simla during this pivotal summer will find their loyalties tested, their relationships strained to breaking point and their world, as they know it, facing irrevocable change.” – Channel 4

Reprising their roles are Julie Walters, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Jemima West, Nikesh Patel, Roshan Seth, Lillete Dubey, Craig Parkinson, Fiona Glascott, Olivia Grant, Alexander Cobb, Amber Rose Revah, Aysha Kala, Rick Warden and Patrick Malahide.

“I can’t wait to get back to the old girl! There’s some fantastic stuff to come in this series and Cynthia’s naughtiness goes up several notches.” – Julie Walters

The 10-part series – co-produced by New Pictures in association with PBS’s MASTERPIECE – will air on Channel 4 early next year.