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Dr Somnath Batabyal, Lecturer in Media in Development and International Journalism – has recently had his critically acclaimed novel ‘The Price You Pay’ adapted in a new television series in India.

Entitled ‘Crime Beat’, the series takes inspiration from Dr Batabyal’s novel, which explores the interconnected worlds of politicians, journalism and policing in Delhi - from the perspective of a young crime reporter. 

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The ‘The Price You Pay’ (published in 2013) was informed by Dr Batabyal’s experience as a journalist and crime beat reporter for over a decade, across India, in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. During his PhD years of study at SOAS, Dr Batabyal was able to analyse news production practices in India and reflect on practice and his own work as a journalist.

Commenting on the joy of seeing the novel adapted for the screen, Dr Batabyal said: 

“This has been something that was a long time coming. The Price You Pay was published by HarperCollins in 2013 and ever since, some one or the other has optioned for the rights. 

I am delighted that it finally got made, and that too with Sudhir Mishra as the Director. He is one of the most prolific and well known of auteurs from India and has a tremendous body of work behind him. The reach of streaming platforms is immense and the book, too, now gets a rebirth.”

With ‘The Price You Pay’ receiving high praise from contemporaries such as Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka and historian, William Dalrymple, Dr Batabyal also had a creative hand in co-writing dialogue for show’s screenplay, developing a relationship with the director, producer and wider cast of ‘Crime Beat’.