ITV Orders Epic Drama from Gurinder Chadha

ITV has ordered the drama series Beecham House, from Gurinder Chadha’s Bend It TV, which FremantleMedia has a 25-percent stake in.

Set on the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi, the drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of Beecham House, an imposing mansion. The handsome and soulful former soldier John Beecham has acquired the house to start a new life for his family and a business as a trader. In spite of filling his residence with relatives and friends, Beecham’s house still has dark corners, which linger with conspiracy, disharmony and sinister intent.

Written by Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Viceroy’s House, Bhaji on the Beach), Paul Mayeda Berges (Viceroy’s House, The Mistress of Spices), Shahrukh Husain (In Custody) and Victor Levin (Mad Men), the six-part series will be filmed in India this fall. Caroline Levy will act as series producer. FremantleMedia International will serve as the global distributor for the series.

ITV’s head of drama, Polly Hill, said: “I am delighted to commission this epic and ambitious new drama from the brilliant Gurinder Chadha. Beecham House is set in Delhi before the British ruled India in that region, which is exciting by being less familiar to audiences. Gurinder brings a fresh take to period drama, but at its heart are wonderful characters and a compelling story that will make this a treat in the ITV schedule next year.”

Chadha commented: “Beecham House is a passion project that is driven by my commitment to telling diverse, emotionally engaging stories for mainstream international audiences. I am thrilled to be working with Polly Hill and ITV Drama who share my belief that period drama can be entertaining, ambitious and relevant to key issues of today. I am assembling a vibrant cast of British and Indian actors to play original characters that will appeal to global audiences hungry to see stories from a unique point of view.”