

How do you work with the team on the series? In terms of design, I look at the personalities and attire of the characters, the architecture and colors of set designs, and the realistic depiction of Indian culture, festivals and other social occasions. With dialogue, I hone pronunciations, incorporation of simple yet familiar Hindi phrases, and accurate representation of family and social dynamics in Indian society. If I were to choose a couple, I’d say that my primary areas of focus are reviewing dialogue and design, both of which are key to ensuring cultural accuracy within the framework of Disney’s fantasy world.

There are several aspects that I look at, from the broad arc of the storyline to the minute details of animation. (Disney)Īs the cultural consultant, what do you see as your main focus? It brought tears to my eyes-to all of our eyes -tears of joy, seeing Mira on screen, our combined labor of love. I remember I cried… I had the opportunity to view the first episode at one of the screening rooms at Disney studios, with a few other members of the team. When you first saw the renderings and then the first episode what were your feelings? As it slowly dawned on me during the discussion that this was really going to happen, I was absolutely thrilled! So, I went into the meeting cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t sure if it was just an exploratory discussion or whether it would really come to fruition because a project like this, on Disney, was beyond my wildest dreams.
#Mira the royal detective series
I did not know much about the project and had heard only broad brushstrokes about Disney Junior exploring a new series that incorporated Indian themes and culture. When the idea of a children’s show with a lead South Asian character, what were your first thoughts? In this fascinating interview, Shagorika Ghosh Perkins gave us insight into the behind the scenes work that goes into creating the world of Mira, her thoughts on how important this show is as a representation of South Asian culture and what we can expect in season 2. She is the person that makes sure that Mira, Royal Detective is authentic in every aspect of the show from the stories, depiction of Indian culture, the characters’ lines, pronunciation, costumes, architecture and so much more.

One of the people responsible for the accuracy and realness of the stories is the cultural consultant for the show Shagorika Ghosh Perkins. One of the coolest things about Mira, Royal Detective is that it celebrates authentic Indian music, dance, food, fashion, language and art by incorporating the diversity of the culture into the mystery-filled storylines. Each episode features the brave and resourceful Mira, a young girl who travels throughout Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community. Season 2 has just started airing and it promises to have even more exciting filled episodes rooted in India’s vibrant heritage.įor preschool-age children, the series weaves authentic Indian culture and customs into two 11-minutes stories set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur. MIRA, ROYAL DETECTIVE (Disney Junior/Valerie Durant)ĭisney Junior’s animated series Mira, Royal Detective first season was a huge success with fans of all ages and all over the world. Each episode will weave authentic music, dance and customs into two 11-minutes stories.SHAGORIKA GHOSH PERKINS (CULTURAL CONSULTANT/ CONSULTING PRODUCER) Along with her friend Prince Neel, a talented inventor, creative cousin Priya, and comical mongoose sidekicks Mikku and Chikku, she will stop at nothing to solve a case, taking young viewers on adventures that highlight critical thinking and encourage deductive reasoning. "We hope that she will encourage our audience to actively engage with the inspiring world around them and appreciate the little details that make life extraordinary."Īs royal detective, Mira travels throughout the kingdom helping royals and commoners alike, in the network's description. "We are eager to introduce kids and their families to the rich, diverse cultures and customs of India through Mira, a young girl who looks at things with her own unique lens to gain different perspectives and help others in her community," Joe D'Ambrosia, senior vice president, Original Programming, Disney Junior said in a release. The role of Mira will be voiced by 15-year-old newcomer Leela Ladnier. Set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a commoner who is appointed to the role of royal detective after solving a mystery that involves saving the kingdom's young prince, the programmer said. Mira, Royal Detective, courtesy of Disney Junior.
