Netflix shares huge update about 'scandalous' romance based on best-seller

Netflix has just announced three actors joining the cast of its forthcoming romance drama, Unaccustomed Earth.

Based on a best-selling story collectionby American author Jhumpa Lahiri, the drama will explore the lives of Indian American characters as they navigate cultural identity, romance and belonging.

The streamer's synopsis reads: "Unaccustomed Earth is an epic, soapy drama about an immigrant community navigating love, desire, and belonging with Freida Pinto at the centre as Parul Chaudhury.

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"When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long-lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born and new battle lines are drawn in the elite, insular Indian American community of Cambridge, Massachusetts."

The streaming giant has now confirmed that Pinto will star alongside Indraneil Sengupta, Adi Roy, and Iyla Sundarsingh Mckaig.

The leading lady, Pinto, is best known for her role in Slumdog Millionaire, which impressively won eight Academy Awards in 2009.

Sengupta, who will play Jai, is known for his roles in films such as Kahaani and Netflix's family drama The Fame Game.

Broadway actor Roy, who plays Kaushik, has starred in stage productions of Aladdin and Jagged Little Pill.

Meanwhile, Mckaig, who viewers might recognise from Emmerdale or Netflix's Toxic Town, steps into the role of Herna. The 18-year-old, from Yorkshire, gushed about Yorkshire-born actors gaining international recognition following the announcement.

She said: "Yorkshire actors are more than just the place they come from. There's real talent if you look at actors like Dominic West, Jodie Whittaker, Sean Bean in films and shows like Phantom Menace, The Crown, Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who.

"We have so much more to offer to global productions, and it's so nice to see that really being recognised now."

The eight-episode series will be executive produced by John Wells (Shameless) and Madhuri Shekar (3 Body Problem), with Shekar additionally serving as a showrunner.

Other executive producers include Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday), Erica Saleh (One of Us Is Lying), Erin Jontow (The Pitt), and Celia Costas (Meet Joe Black).

BAFTA nominee Ritesh Batra is also among the producers and is set to direct the first two episodes.

Unaccustomed Earth is yet to land an official release date.