Mira Royal Detective debuted on Disney Junior with 2 episodes containing 4 stories this week. The India-based children’s program integrates Indian culture in effortless ways marking this a big step for South Asian culture within the western, mainstream arena. Often programming includes Desi touches, but this show is a Desi cast and desi culture through and through. I have already watched the 2 episodes twice and I am already quoting Prince Neel…”soggy samosas!”
The lead character, Mira, lives in Jalpur where she has been appointed the royal detective. She rides around town in her royal rickshaw often accompanied by the younger of the kingdom’s princes, Neel, and 2 mongooses: Chikku and Mikku.
Her outfit is a bright churidar where her uniform is a more mature blue. The ornate details with her khussas (shoes) and accessories add to the show’s authenticity. Names are traditional and pronounced correctly which our own community often refuse to do.
My Favorite Moments
Prince Neel is an innovator. He’s always tinkering with projects and sharing them with his friends. When things do not go according to his plans, Neel exclaims, “soggy samosas.” Which are visually explained in episode 2, “The Mystery of the New Kid.”
Sandeep is the new kid in town. He’s in Jalpur working at his uncle’s dhaba. His responsibilities include delivering tiffins during lunch.
Meena is Mira’s cousin. In episode 1, she’s frantically trying on outfits for the queen’s visit. In episode 2, she’s lost a precious earring and will not rest until it is found. She’s taller than the other kids and is seen wearing her high heel shoes – my husband immediately identified similarities between me and Meena, an experience I had missed out on as a child.
Mira Royal Detective
“Chalo Chalo, let’s go!” Mira gently includes Hindi phrases, South Asian culture, and is more than I expected. Congratulations Disney and the entire cast and team who have brought Mira to life, the program is truly a treat!
