In episode 57, The Boston Sisters talk with actor RISHI NAIR, who portrays Alphy Kottaram, the new vicar in season 9 of the PBS MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! series GRANTCHESTER. Alphy takes over the pulpit from departing vicar Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), and gets off to a rough start with DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green). This conversation with Rishi Nair explores historical drama representation and cultural identity, as well as race and identity in 1960s England through the story of a British-born Indian vicar. Nair shares stories about becoming part of the GRANTCHESTER cast family; and if acting and ministry are "callings," with similarities and challenges.

GRANTCHESTER is created by Daisy Coulam and is adapted from the Grantchester mystery novels by James Runcie.

Transcript for Ep. 57 is available on the podcast website

0:08 - Introducing Rishi Nair and Grantchester Season 9

4:05 - Creating Alphy Kottaram, the new vicar of Grantchester

9:31 - Becoming part of the Grantchester cast family

11:00 - Historical drama representation and cultural identity

17:35 - Race and identity in 1960s England through the lens of an Indian vicar

23:10 - Acting and ministry "callings," similarities and challenges

28:45 - Lightning Round: the "swinging 60s," football, DVD, water bottle

32:35 - Where to watch GRANTCHESTER and MASTERPIECE MYSTERY!

33:14 - Share, subscribe, write Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters

34:37 - Disclaimer

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