Freida Pinto to star in Netflix adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth

Freida Pinto is set to lead the cast of Unaccustomed Earth, an upcoming Netflix series based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s acclaimed short story collection.

The streaming platform confirmed the project in April, with the series slated to run for eight episodes, according to Variety.

Pinto, best known for her roles in Slumdog Millionaire, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, and Love Sonia, will portray the character Parul Chaudhury.

Described as an "epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant drama," Unaccustomed Earth explores themes of love, desire, and identity within a close-knit Indian-American community in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, ‘Unaccustomed Earth’ invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA. 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 this intensely interconnected immigrant community,” the official synopsis reads.

The series is being developed by John Wells—known for Shameless and films like August: Osage County — in partnership with Madhuri Shekar, who will serve as showrunner.

Acclaimed director Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox, Photograph) will direct and executive produce the first two episodes. Filmmaker Nisha Ganatra, who initially optioned the book and spearheaded its development, will also serve as an executive producer.

Author Jhumpa Lahiri joins the executive producer team, alongside Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow, and Celia Costas. Lahiri’s previous novel The Namesake was adapted into a successful 2006 film directed by Mira Nair.

The series will be produced by Warner Bros. Television, where John Wells has an ongoing overall deal.