Watch Indian Summers

Indian Summers is a dramatic period television series that aired on PBS from 2015 to 2016. Set in the early 20th century, the show follows a group of British and Indian characters as they navigate the complexities of life in the colonial town of Simla during the final years of the British Raj.

The main character is Ralph Whelan (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), a high-ranking British colonial officer who oversees the day-to-day affairs of Simla on behalf of the Viceroy of India. Ralph is an ambitious and sometimes ruthless character who is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his power and position. However, he also has a sensitive side and is torn between his loyalty to the British Empire and his growing attraction to a beautiful Indian woman named Aafrin Dalal (played by Nikesh Patel).

Aafrin is a young clerk in the Civil Service who works under Ralph. Although she is Indian, she has been educated in England and is able to navigate both the British and the Indian worlds with ease. She is also politically active and becomes involved in the Indian independence movement, which puts her at odds with Ralph and the colonial establishment. Aafrin is portrayed with resilience and is the driving force behind much of the action in the show.

The show also features a number of other memorable characters, both British and Indian, who are struggling to find their own place in Simla. Among them is Cynthia Coffin (Julie Walters), an Englishwoman who owns the local club and is a close confidante of Ralph. Cynthia is a flamboyant and eccentric character who brings a touch of humor to the show, but also has a dark side that is revealed as the series progresses.

Other notable characters include Ian McLeod (Alexander Cobb), a Scottish missionary who is deeply committed to his work in India, but also harbors his own secrets; Sarah Raworth (Fiona Glascott), a British woman who is searching for her missing husband and finds herself caught up in the political turmoil of the region; and Sooni Dalal (Aysha Kala), Aafrin's younger sister, who is a fiery and passionate advocate for Indian independence.

One of the standout features of Indian Summers is its portrayal of the complex and often fraught relationship between the British and Indian characters. The show does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths of colonialism and racism, and explores the ways in which the British Empire sought to maintain its power over India. However, it also acknowledges that there were many British officials and Indian activists who were pushing for change and working towards a more equitable future.

The show's production values are also impressive, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Simla region and its colonial-era architecture. The costumes and sets are also meticulously crafted, transporting viewers back in time to the early 20th century.

Overall, Indian Summers is a thought-provoking and engaging drama that explores complex themes of power, identity, and belonging. Its talented cast and crew have created a rich and immersive world that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, political thrillers, and character-driven dramas alike.

Indian Summers is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between September 27, 2015 and on PBS