September 11, 2025 – Acclaimed actor Siddharth, known for Rang De Basanti, Bommarillu, and more recently Chithha, has been confirmed to star opposite Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) in the much-anticipated Netflix series Unaccustomed Earth.
Based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s award-winning short story collection, the eight-episode series will bring to life a sweeping, emotional drama set within a close-knit Indian American community in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A Tale of Love, Desire, and Belonging
Created by John Wells (The Pitt) and Madhuri Shekar (3 Body Problem, The Nevers), Unaccustomed Earth is described as an “epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant drama.” The story follows Parul Chaudhury (played by Pinto), a devoted wife whose life takes a scandalous turn when she reconnects with her long-lost love, Amit Mukherjee, played by Siddharth.
Siddharth’s Role: Amit Mukherjee
Amit Mukherjee is a Bengali American man, warm-hearted and deeply empathetic, often the go-to friend in times of crisis. Despite being dependable for others, Amit struggles with stability in his personal life and career. Just as a promising new relationship begins to unfold, his life is thrown into turmoil with the return of Parul, the woman he once loved but lost.
This emotional reunion sparks a complex tale of passion, loyalty, and choices that ripple through their community.
Creative Team & Production Details
- Showrunner/Writer: Madhuri Shekar (3 Body Problem, The Nevers)
- Executive Producers: Madhuri Shekar, John Wells, Ritesh Batra, Jhumpa Lahiri, Nisha Ganatra, Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow, Celia Costas
- Director (Episodes 101 & 102): Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox), who will also executive-produce
- Studio: Warner Bros. Television
With such a powerhouse lineup of creative voices—spanning acclaimed writers, filmmakers, and producers—the series promises authenticity, cultural nuance, and high production quality.
Netflix’s Familiar Face
This isn’t Siddharth’s first outing with Netflix. Earlier this year, he starred in Test, a gripping drama centered on a cricket match that intertwines the fates of three people, alongside Meera Jasmine. With Unaccustomed Earth, he takes on one of his most layered roles yet, promising audiences a blend of emotional vulnerability and magnetic screen presence.
Why This Series Matters
Unaccustomed Earth is not only a star-driven romance but also an exploration of immigrant identity, cultural ties, and the complex bonds of family and love. With Lahiri’s celebrated storytelling as its foundation and powerhouse talents like Freida Pinto and Siddharth leading the cast, the series is poised to resonate globally while shining a spotlight on Indian American experiences rarely explored at this scale.
[Photo credit: Venkat Ram]