Authenticity is essential in any project, but especially for Deepa and Anoop there was the need to authentically represent not only a family of South Asian descent, but also Deepa’s friendship with her best friend, says Heather Kenyon, Executive Producer, Citizen Skull Productios/Citizen Kids, who collaborated on the project.

The friendship between the two main characters is what makes Deepa and Anoop work. When you watch them, you can tell there is a real affection between them, and Anoop’s expressions and noises will steal the show!

He’s so adorable. Authenticity is essential in any project, but especially in this one, we needed to authentically represent not only a family of South Asian descent, but also Deepa’s friendship with her best friend,” says Kenyon.

Speaking on the enthusiasm of the creators, she adds that the main element that led to the sale of Deepa and Anoop was Lisa’s infectious enthusiasm for the project and Munjal’s useful insights.

“She just shone whenever Lisa pitched the project, and you could tell she loved the show. That kind of enthusiasm goes a long way because it means you’re dealing with creators who truly understand their characters and the world they’re painting or creating. Munjal provided so much insight, chiming in with culturally authentic details and story ideas, relationship nuances, which would then be woven back into the materials by Lisa,” Kenyon reflects.

However, the process of getting Deepa and Anoop on television, and getting it made, was fraught with complications. “But as one door began to close, another would open, so we knew we were onto something. We had a property that was going to land somewhere and get made because networks were telling us they were probably wrong, which never happens. We just knew that the right partners would come together sooner or later — and they did with Mattel and Netflix,” Kenyon says.