Tanya Maniktala on 'A Suitable Boy', Marriage and Her Personal Style

Tell us about how your career began?

Truth be told, I only took up theatre during my days at Delhi University because my sister challenged me to do it. I’m quite reserved, as a person, and this was her way of getting me to push myself. I truly enjoyed it, and after graduating, was set to go to Melbourne to pursue a master’s degree when a friend told me to audition for a 'big project'... This was around May 2019, and he had shown my photographs to a senior member of the show [A Suitable Boy], but I had no idea what the series was about. As for my master’s degree, that's now been put on an indefinite hold.

What kind of movies influenced you when you were growing up?

I was a lot more into reading (my father is a publisher), so the only present I would ever want or give was books. One of my favourite authors is Jhumpa Lahiri, and I thoroughly enjoyed The Lowland and The Namesake, both by her.

What was is like working with Mira Nair on the sets of A Suitable Boy?

To be working with a legend who translated the book on-screen was a real honour. Mira di (that’s the only way I can address her) would always insist that we, as actors, should see what comes naturally us; to be as honest a character as possible, and to live and breathe it. It helped that the casting was so on-point. I closely associate with Lata, and she is a person I would want to be like. I see myself in her, and her in me. As a result, it didn't take as much effort to essay the role. My favourite scene from the show was the tango sequence, which was shot very early on in the making of the series. We had all taken classes for tango, in Delhi, Bombay, and Lucknow, and this shot was just about dancing and having fun on set. I had a great time!

What about Lata’s character makes her so relevant, even today?

Even though Lata is a girl from the 1950s, her ideologies and way of thinking seem so modern—she breaks the stereotype of what’s expected from girls of her time. Lata is independent, fierce, rebellious, and yet very respectful of her mother and values. She is willing to make mistakes, but on her own terms, and never settles for anything less than she deserves.

What qualities, according to you, should be in a suitable boy?

First comes sensitivity—to your feelings and aspirations. A person you can share your sorrows and joys with. Someone who you can truly be yourself with, unapologetically, and who makes you feel secure and equal. And that person should be able to make you laugh: it’s not a quality given too much importance, but you should be able to share a laugh with them even over a very silly thing.

How far, do you think, have we come in our approach towards women and marriage?

I think we’ve come a long way from the expectations that a girl has to get married at a certain age, and to a man chosen for her. Today, women can draw the line when choosing their partner, but you still have to get married for society’s sake... That is something we can certainly improve upon.

What has been one of the most memorable weddings you have attended?

That would have to be my cousin Savita’s wedding (my bhua’s daughter). It was the first wedding in my family, a new experience for all of us. When she got married, I could see myself in the position. She was the happiest bride, while the entire family was in tears.

How would you describe your personal style and what would we find in your make-up kit?

I tend to be very casual with my style; I have yet to explore more. I wear regular T-shirts and blue jeans. And I don’t experiment with prints.