Indira Varma, the acclaimed actress currently portraying the villainous Mayra Cavendish in the second series of the BBC's hit spy thriller The Night Manager, has shared devastating personal news with her followers. The 52-year-old star revealed the passing of her beloved mother at the age of 93, just days before the eagerly awaited finale of the popular television drama.
A Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, January 28, Varma posted multiple photographs of her mother throughout the years, accompanied by a moving and deeply personal tribute. In her emotional post, she described her mother as "eccentric" and celebrated her life's passions for art and adventure.
"My dear eccentric Mama has gone at the age of 93," Varma wrote. "Everything she lived for was Art and adventure. She created for the love of doing not for recognition just for joy."
Reflections on Family and Heritage
The actress reflected on her parents' relationship, noting they met in the 1960s when mixed relationships faced social disapproval. "They didn't care what other people thought," she shared. "Life is to be lived with love and joy. Fear is the only thing that makes us hate."
Varma poignantly added: "I'm now an orphan. I miss their tempestuous interactions in a shared 3rd language and how they communicated through music, art, food, travel and Nature." She concluded her tribute with a citation from Nobel Peace Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, expressing gratitude for her mother's life and influence.
Outpouring of Support from Co-Stars and Celebrities
The comments section quickly filled with messages of condolence and support from Varma's famous friends and colleagues. Kevin McKidd, known for his role in Grey's Anatomy, wrote: "I'm so sorry for your loss Indira. Sending much love to you today."
Former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson commented: "So much love. Thinking of you," while Ariana DeBose and Aimee Lou Wood posted multiple heart and dove emojis in solidarity.
Countryfile presenter Anita Rani responded: "Sending you all my love darling. What a beautiful photo," with Richard Armitage adding: "Sending my love and condolences to you and your family Indy. What an incredible life your mama had."
Industry Figures Offer Condolences
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies expressed similar sentiments, posting: "I'm so sorry, lots of love darling," whilst Celebrity Traitors star Mark Bonnar said: "Oh Indira I'm so sorry - what an amazing photo." This collective support highlights the close-knit nature of the entertainment community during difficult personal moments.
Timing Amidst The Night Manager's Climax
This personal news emerges just as The Night Manager approaches its highly anticipated second series finale. The continuation of the acclaimed spy drama sees undercover operative Jonathan Pine, played by Tom Hiddleston, infiltrating the criminal enterprise of Colombian tycoon Teddy Dos Santos, portrayed by Diego Calva.
Viewers have discovered that Teddy is actually the son of series one antagonist Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie. Furthermore, the illegal weapons trafficker was shown to have staged his own death, aided by Varma's character Mayra, who serves as head of the Secret Intelligence Service within the narrative.
Final Episode Anticipation
The official synopsis for the finale states: "Pine works with Teddy to bring down Gilberto Hanson's Colombia coup from the inside. But Hanson has found a new ally of his own. It's winner takes all." The dramatic conclusion will determine whether Jonathan can finally defeat Richard for good, with the final episode scheduled to air on Sunday, February 1, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Adding to the show's future, lead actor Tom Hiddleston confirmed earlier this week that the drama will return for another series, ensuring fans have more espionage intrigue to anticipate beyond the current season's conclusion.
