MIRA, ROYAL DETECTIVE - Disney Junior hosted a special screening of its upcoming animated series "Mira, Royal Detective" in Burbank, CA, on Wednesday December 11. Cast members Sonal Shah and Parvesh Cheena were guest hosts of the event which included special appearances by Leela Ladnier (voice of Mira) and Nakul Dev Mahajan (Indian dance consultant). Debuting spring 2020, the series is set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur and follows the smart, brave and resourceful Mira, a commoner who is appointed to the role of royal detective by the Queen. (Disney Junior/Valerie Durant) NAKUL DEV MAHAJAN (INDIAN DANCE CONSULTANT), SASCHA PALADINO (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), SONAL SHAH, PARVESH CHEENA, DIANE IKEMIYASHIRO (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, DISNEY JUNIOR), SHAGORIKA GHOSH PERKINS (CULTURAL CONSULTANT/ CONSULTING PRODUCER)

Feedback form

Share Your Thoughts

India Currents gave me a voice in days I was very lost. Having my articles selected for publishing was very validating – Shailaja Dixit, Executive Director, Narika, Fremont

Mira, Royal Detective production team has placed an emphasis on authenticity by hiring South Asians artists, designers, and cultural consultants. Some notable people recruited are Shagorika Ghosh as the series’ cultural consultant, Nakul Dev Mahajan (“So You Think You Can Dance”) as the Bollywood dancer and choreographer, and Deepak Ramapriyan (“Basmati Blues”) as the music producer. This will be the first animated show reflecting South Asians on Disney and attention to detail is necessary. Through this show, the next generation of desi children will get a chance to embrace their roots and culture.

As royal detectiveMira (Leela Ladnier) travels throughout the kingdom helping royals and commoners alike. Along with her friend Prince Neel (Kamran Lucas), a talented inventor, creative cousin Priya (Roshni Edwards), and comical mongoose sidekicks Mikku (Kal Penn) and Chikku (Utkarsh Ambudkar), she will stop at nothing to solve a case, taking young viewers on adventures and encourage deductive reasoning. Other characters to appear in the show include Queen Shanti (Freida Pinto), Pinky (Hannah Simone), Auntie Pushpa (Jameela Jamil), Mira‘s cousin Meena (Aparna Nancherla) and Mira’s father Sahil (Aasif Mandvi). Rooted in India’s vibrant heritage, each episode will weave authentic music, dance and customs into two 11-minutes stories.

Check out the India Currents exclusive behind the scenes video to see research being done for Mira, Royal Detective.

YouTube video

The all-star South Asian cast reiterates the sentiment – it is novel and refreshing to see representation in such a wholesome way. Here is a sneak peek into the cast and show, Mira, Royal Detective, airing tomorrow, March 20th on Disney Junior!

—-

Srishti Prabha is the current Assistant Editor at India Currents and has worked in low income/affordable housing as an advocate for women and people of color. She is passionate about diversifying spaces, preserving culture, and removing barriers to equity.

Srishti Prabha

Srishti Prabha was the Managing Editor at India Currents and has worked in low-income/affordable housing as an advocate for children, women, and people of color. She is passionate about diversifying spaces,...