Watch The Indian Doctor

The Indian Doctor is a BBC One television drama series set in the 1960s, following the story of an Indian doctor named Prem Sharma who moves with his wife into a small Welsh mining village. Starring Sanjeev Bhaskar as Prem Sharma, alongside Ayesha Dharker, Mali Harries, Ifan Huw Dafydd, Dafydd Hywel, Mark Williams, Erica Eirian, Indira Joshi, Gareth Jewell, Alexander Vlahos, and Mark Heap, the show premiered on November 15, 2010, and ran for three seasons until April 22, 2013.

The series begins with the Sharmas arriving in the mining village after they were recruited by the National Health Service to fill a shortage of doctors in the area. However, the villagers are skeptical towards the Indian couple and their unfamiliar customs, causing an initial tension between them. With time, however, they manage to win the villagers' trust and respect, and become an integral part of the community.

The main character of the series is Prem Sharma, a medical professional who is used to the hustle of a big city hospital. He is initially uneasy in the small, tight-knit community of Trefelin, but it is not long before he becomes drawn into the lives of his patients as he starts to learn and understand their illnesses and their community. As the series progresses, we see Dr. Sharma become an integral part of the community, offering not just medical assistance, but also compassion and emotional support when needed.

Joining Dr. Sharma is his wife, Kamini (Ayesha Dharker), who is also a medical professional. Kamini struggles to adapt to the Welsh lifestyle, often clashing with the women of the village who are not keen to accept her as one of their own. However, Kamini's intelligence and quick wit often prove invaluable to her husband's practice.

Throughout the series, the show explores many sensitive and topical issues such as racism, class struggle, and gender inequality. The community is largely skeptical of Dr. Sharma and his wife, as they are different and from a different culture. Their outsider status makes it difficult for them to win the community's trust, and they are often met with disdain and hostility. However, the Sharmas stand their ground and slowly manage to win the villagers' hearts.

Another important character is Megan Evans (Mali Harries), who is the practice's receptionist, and a vital link between Dr. Sharma and his patients. She helps Prem navigate the many challenges he faces both professionally and personally. We see her struggling to cope with her own challenges, including her strained relationship with her father and brother.

The casting for The Indian Doctor is exceptional, with all characters playing their roles with conviction and authenticity. Sanjeev Bhaskar's portrayal of Dr. Sharma is nuanced and layered, a fascinating character that evokes both humor and empathy. Ayesha Dharker's performance as Kamini Sharma offers a compelling view of the day-to-day struggles of a young Indian woman living in a Welsh mining village, delivering poignant performances with conviction and grace.

The picturesque Welsh countryside is the ideal setting for the show, providing a beautiful backdrop to the unfolding events. The show's sound design and music are also masterfully crafted, bringing together a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and humor that is instantly endearing.

In conclusion, The Indian Doctor is a heartwarming and poignant drama series that offers insight into rural life in Wales during the 1960s, while exploring issues of race, class, and identity. Sanjeev Bhaskar and Ayesha Dharker offer stellar performances that are both touching and inspiring, and the supporting cast delivers outstanding performances. With beautiful cinematography, a moving soundtrack, and intricate character arcs, The Indian Doctor is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a high-quality drama series.

The Indian Doctor is a series that ran for 3 seasons (15 episodes) between November 15, 2010 and on BBC one