Bradford graduate’s best-selling novels on TV
A TV drama series based on the novels by a University of Bradford graduate is set to be broadcast.
Virdee, by Amit Dhand who graduated with an MPharm in 2002, has taken his stories from page to screen as both the creator and executive producer of the series.
Amit, also known by the pen name AA Dhand, began writing the Virdee novels in 2006, driven by his desire to bring more South Asian representation to television.
The series, filmed on location in Bradford, will begin on Monday 10 February on BBC One.
Virdee follows DCI Harry Virdee, a police detective struggling with a strained home life due to his Sikh family's disapproval of his marriage to a Muslim wife, as well as the criminal activities of his brother-in-law, a drug kingpin.
An exclusive preview screening event of the series was held at St George’s Hall, Bradford, on Thursday 6 February.
Members of the public, students, and University of Bradford staff were given the chance to secure tickets via a random ticket draw and attend the premiere to watch the first episode.
Following the screening, attendees enjoyed a Q&A session with the author and key cast members, hosted by radio presenter Rima Ahmed.
Michael Miller, International Alumni Engagement Officer at the University of Bradford, who secured his ticket in the draw, said: “I was privileged to receive tickets to the Virdee screening.
“It was amazing to see so many familiar Bradford landmarks on the big screen, including St George’s Hall, where we were sitting watching the premiere.
“AA Dhand addressed the audience both before and after the screening, putting his novels and their on-screen adaptation in context.
“He notably highlighted the way that Virdee represents British Asian communities without explanation and rightly shines the spotlight on Bradford during this special year for the city.”
Episode one of Virdee is on BBC One at 21:00 on Monday 10 February, or stream the entire series on BBC iPlayer.