Hamisha Daryani Ahuja’s Netflix series ‘Postcards’ fuses the vibrancy of Nollywood and Bollywood

Postcards is a multicultural Nigerian series directed by Indian-Nigerian filmmaker Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, resonating globally with universal themes.

Postcards is a compelling narrative of a Nigerian single mother embarking on a journey to India for medical reasons. She encounters many relationship struggles and eventually reconnects with her family in India. The series, shot in Lagos and Mumbai, features a diverse cast of Nigerian and Indian actors, portraying the multicultural spectrum of human emotions. A person of Indian descent, the Nigerian series director and entrepreneur, Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, is making significant strides in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the Indian OTT space.

Speaking to us from Lagos over a video call, Hamisha shares insights into the creation of Postcards, her cultural influences, future plans, and her journey as an Indian-Nigerian filmmaker, businesswoman, and motivational speaker. Her unique background and experiences have shaped her creative vision, allowing her to create content that resonates with diverse audiences.

“Initially, the title I had planned was Postcards from India. We wanted to convey a sense of old-fashioned charm with meaningful messages from another country. However, we realised that just focusing on India might limit the global appeal. So, Postcards was chosen to give it a broader, more relatable feel across different cultures,” says Hamisha

Postcards is significantly larger in scale and reach compared to her 2021 feature film, Namaste Wahala. Hamisha says Namaste Wahala was initially aimed at Nigerian audiences, while Postcards aims to connect with viewers worldwide, focusing on universal themes of human connection and relatable life experiences. That it has garnered global attention, quickly climbing the ranks in Nigeria, the UK, Kenya, Mauritius, and Dubai reflects the show’s ability to resonate with viewers emotionally, evident from the feedback of binge-watching and repeat views.

As for the project’s timeline, Hamisha shares that Postcards took about a year from conception to release, with filming starting in January 2023. This meticulous approach ensured that every aspect of the series, from storytelling to production quality, met her high standards. “Our aim was also to create borderless content that appeals to a global audience. While the project was primarily focused on Nigeria, we wanted it to resonate with viewers worldwide, showcasing universal themes of human emotions and connections.”

Hamisha also delved into the cultural similarities between Indians and Nigerians, highlighting aspects like touching elders’ feet, love for food and fashion, and a shared sense of national pride. “These commonalities played a crucial role in shaping the characters and storylines, making the series relatable to diverse audiences.”

Hamisha integrated Indian cultural elements like saris and Hindi language into the series, especially with Nigerian actors. “It was a seamless effort, thanks to the actors’ familiarity and love for Bollywood. One of the actors who portrayed Zainab spoke fluent Hindi, adding an authentic touch to the series. The sari scene was well-received, showcasing the cross-cultural exchange within the narrative.”