Actor Ritu Arya reflects on her journey from fan to co-star in ‘The Split Up’
When the actor Ritu Arya was growing up, her favourite TV series was the comedy sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, which was groundbreaking in its depiction of British Asian lives, reports BritPanorama. Last year, Arya landed a role in The Split Up, a new spin-off of the hit legal drama The Split, alongside original cast member Sanjeev Bhaskar as her on-screen father. “It was a real full-circle moment for me,” she expressed.
Arya showcased a clip of her childhood homage to Goodness Gracious Me to Bhaskar, revealing her as a “lanky child hamming it up playing a guru.” Bhaskar was visibly emotional, appreciating the significance of his show for a new generation.
The Split Up consists of six episodes, continuing the narrative of a family-run law firm specialising in high-profile divorce cases. Unlike its predecessor, this series features a predominantly British Asian cast and creative team, highlighting an ongoing need for representation in UK television. Despite the passage of time since Goodness Gracious Me, the emergence of such representation in mainstream shows remains a significant achievement for the industry.
Arya portrays Aria Kishan, a barrister poised to take over her father’s firm and marry her long-term partner, Neal. However, the death of Aria’s mother triggers a shift in succession plans, leading to tensions between her and her father. The dynamics also complicate further when a former romantic interest of Aria’s, Luke, is hired by her father as a senior associate, setting the stage for dramatic conflicts.
The series is produced by Abi Morgan, known for her work on The Hour and Suffragette, who draws inspiration from personal experiences and observations from friends undergoing difficult breakups. Morgan emphasised the need for the show to remain entertaining while exploring themes of love and complex family relationships.
In 2024, Morgan acknowledged that The Split had “run its course,” paving the way for The Split Up to explore new narratives set outside of London while maintaining continuity with the original series. Morgan’s role shifted from writing to acting as a mentor for the new creative team.
Ursula Rani Sarma, leading the writing team, welcomed the opportunity to create a show revolving around a British Asian family. She aimed for authenticity, depicting characters in everyday situations, countering the usual portrayals in media that often concentrate on extreme circumstances.
Arya found the character of Aria both relatable and multifaceted, capturing her ambition and flaws while navigating grief and family expectations. This nuanced portrayal is reflective of Morgan’s ongoing commitment to providing complex roles for women, creating a culture that includes diverse voices in all aspects of production.
Tonight, The Split Up airs on BBC One at 9pm and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
