Smriti Mundhra’s production company, Meralta Films, is making a significant move into the world of scripted content by acquiring the rights to Riva Razdan’s romantic comedy novel, The Naani Diaries. Mundhra, a two-time Oscar nominee and three-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker, is best known for her work on the hit Netflix documentary series Indian Matchmaking. Alongside producers Nina Anand Aujla and Maya Gnyp, Mundhra will bring this heartfelt story to life under the Meralta Films banner. This marks an exciting expansion for the production company, which has already made waves in the documentary space and is now diving into scripted storytelling.
The Naani Diaries, published by Harper Collins, follows the journey of Radhika, an ambitious young woman living in New York. After being dumped by her boyfriend, Radhika turns to an unexpected source of inspiration: her grandmother’s diary from the 1960s. The diary chronicles her grandmother’s love story and forms the backdrop of Radhika’s decision to leave Manhattan behind and immerse herself in Mumbai’s bustling world of arranged marriages. As she navigates this traditional system, Radhika finds herself questioning whether a career-driven woman like herself can truly transform into the kind of “wife material” her grandmother once was. This multi-generational tale explores themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage, blending humor and heart in a way that resonates deeply with fans of the romantic comedy genre.
For author Riva Razdan, this adaptation is just the latest in a growing list of screen projects based on her work. Razdan’s novel Arzu is currently in development as a TV series, with comedian and actress Lily Singh and production company BlinkMedia on board. Actress Charithra Chandran, who gained widespread recognition for her role in Bridgerton, is set to star in the series. In addition, Razdan is also writing a romantic comedy feature film and a female-centered series for Netflix, both of which are being produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. Her unique voice and ability to craft compelling stories have made her a sought-after talent in both literature and television.
Nina Anand Aujla, who heads up film and television at Meralta Films, praised Razdan’s work, saying, “Her talent as an author shines through in this heartfelt, multi-generational story, which beautifully embodies everything we love about the rom-com genre.” Aujla’s enthusiasm for The Naani Diaries highlights the project’s potential to resonate with audiences worldwide. The story’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and cultural exploration aligns perfectly with Meralta Films’ mission to create content that is both authentic and engaging.
Meralta Films is currently riding a wave of success, having recently earned an Oscar nomination for their documentary short I Am Ready, Warden and preparing for the release of Muslim Matchmaker, a new series set to premiere on Hulu on February 11. The production company, which operates in both Los Angeles and Mumbai, has built a reputation for creating compelling content that often explores themes of identity, culture, and love. Their previous projects, including Indian Matchmaking and the Emmy-nominated Shelter (available on HBO Max), have been praised for their unique storytelling and nuanced portrayals of complex social issues.
As Meralta Films continues to expand its slate of projects, The Naani Diaries represents a significant step into the world of scripted content. The company is currently developing projects with major streaming platforms such as Apple TV+, HBO Max, Netflix, and MTV, solidifying its position as a key player in the global entertainment industry. Riva Razdan expressed her excitement about the partnership, saying, “Smriti understands the duality of modern women; their nurturing nature that longs for love and family life and their dynamic minds that seek purpose and accomplishment better than anyone else.” This understanding is at the heart of The Naani Diaries, a story that celebrates the complexity and resilience of women across generations. With Mundhra and Meralta Films at the helm, this adaptation is poised to become a standout addition to the romantic comedy genre.
