DNA Exclusive: Kavita Seth talks about being Tabu's voice in 'A Suitable Boy', working with Mira Nair

'A Suitable Boy', which has been widely appreciated in Ireland and UK, is all set to release in India within a day. Kavita Seth, who plays 'Saeeda Bai' Tabu's voice on the show, spoke about her experience while working on the project with Mira Nair.

While calling it a blessing to be able to work alongside Mira, Kavita Seth also spoke about crooning ghazals even for the international audiences, among many other things. She also revealed how it felt 'truly special' to be Tabu's voice in 'A Suitable Boy'.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

1. Did you instantly agree to be Tabu’s voice in A Suitable Boy?

Absolutely! Working with Mira Nair is a dream for an artist. I was overwhelmed to know that she had followed my series - Main Kavita Hoon!  We bonded instantly and working with her was an experience in itself. Watching a few glimpses of my voice on Tabu's character Saeeda Bai felt truly special.

2. Ghazals are an important part of the Indian culture and I’m assuming Tabu’s character, especially when it is aired on BBC. Did you have to go through some special rehearsal?

Mira Nair is a perfectionist. She had her thorough research on the poets and the poetry she wanted me to compose. This clarity of a director makes the process extremely beautiful for an artist like me. We did a few rehearsals at my house with Mira ji and her team. The entire process of working on the ghazals for Saeeda Bai was very fluid. I composed the ghazals and presented them during the rehearsal. A few were locked immediately. For one of them she had her vision and wanted me to try something different. I re-composed during the session and she loved it.

3. Did you translate and sing the ghazals in english to cater to the foreign audience?

No. The ghazals are retained as they are for the international audience as well.

4. Are you also the music director on the show?

Yes, all the ghazals have been composed and sung by me. I am the music director, composer and singer. I am Saeeda Bai’s voice for 'A Suitable Boy'.

5. Were you given any specific instructions?

When I received a call from Mira Nair’s office for the project, I was over the moon but I was also excited and anxious, all at the same time. I have composed hundreds of ghazals, songs for my personal projects. This comes to me naturally. However I wondered how the process of creating something with a specific set of requirements would feel like. But working with a legendary filmmaker like Mira Nair has been a blessing. Her clarity of thought and expression, her description of the character and situations made it really smooth for me. She made me very comfortable throughout the rehearsals and recording.