New character biographies

1 March 2016

Charlie Havistock, played by Blake Ritson:

Charlie Havistock has followed his wife, Alice, out to India to join her and their son Percy. On the surface, Charlie is a cheerful, charming man who is happy to play low status, but it quickly becomes clear that he’s not yet forgiven Alice for walking out on him three years earlier. As the summer rolls on, Charlie becomes an increasingly predatory and abusive presence at Chotipool as his campaign of hatred against his wife intensifies.

Kaira Das, played by Sughanda Garg:

Kaira Das is Aafrin’s fellow freedom-fighter and lover. Whilst sharing Aafrin’s non-violent approach, she also understands that it might ultimately take more extreme action to achieve independence but Kaira holds a deep secret that jeopardises their mission.

Naresh Banerjee, played by Arjun Mathur:

Handsome, charismatic nationalist Naresh Banerjee thinks the route to India’s freedom is through violence and he draws Aafrin into a bomb plot that’s set to strike at the heart of British rule. Increasingly paranoid and ruthless in his cause, Naresh pushes his comrade Aafrin’s loyalty to the limits.

Lord Hawthorne, played by James Fleet:

Lord Hawthorne is a whip-smart, if slightly shop-worn, aristocrat from London who is hotly tipped for the top job of Viceroy, threatening Ralph’s own ambitions. It soon transpires that his visit to Simla isn’t all it seems, but his growing interest in Leena puts in motion a chain of events that reaches into every corner of Simla society.

The Maharajah of Amritpur, played by Art Malik:

The Maharajah of Amritpur, one of the most affluent Stately Princes in India, breezes into Simla to enter negotiations on the upcoming Government of India Bill. Ralph is desperate to carry favour, but the Maharajah is a powerful, slippery man unwilling to give up his immense power. His stay in Simla will prove to be the biggest hurdle for Ralph and his presence will cast a dark shadow on the Whelans’ marriage.

Sirene, played by Rachel Griffiths:

The Maharaja’s beautiful and resourceful mistress Sirene is a sexually liberated woman who is no stranger to Simla. The former governess’ glittering ascent stuns the snobbish local British wives, but Sirene is mindful that this high life won’t last forever. As Ralph goes to work on the Maharajah, his wife Madeleine does all she can to cultivate Sirene. But this exotic couple have other plans for the young Englishman.