New dawn begins with new leader

With Rocket Boys showing Bhabha and Sarabhai’s equation with PM Nehru, casting director says second season set in Indira Gandhi’s reign

Director Abhay Pannu ended the first season of Rocket Boys on an interesting note, with Homi Bhabha — essayed by Jim Sarbh — standing on the cusp of an era-defining invention. While the series depicted how Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai boosted the nation’s standing in scientific communities under the aegis of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, it is learnt that the second edition will see former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi play a bigger role as she takes charge.

Kavish Sinha, who handled the casting of the SonyLIV offering, had roped in Charu Shankar to play India’s Iron Lady in the opening season. “There are a lot of dignitaries who come into [play] in the second season, including cabinet ministers and prime ministers. A major part [is dedicated to] Indira Gandhi in the upcoming season. Abhay was ready with a complete docket for the entire show, including the character arcs,” says the casting director. He adds that both instalments were shot simultaneously. “We needed actors who would be invested for a long period as the two seasons were being shot together. The 16 episodes weren’t shot episodically, but as per the script and location.” He adds that the show is now in post-production.

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