Nelson Mandela is to make a guest appearance in a light hearted British sitcom that pokes fun at the lifestyles of Indian immigrant families in the UK.
The former South African president is a fan of the The Kumars at No 42 and has approached the BBC to ask if he could appear in an episode.
The thick 'Peter sellers' accents of the actors and actresses in the show have been a huge hit among those who watch the television comedy chat programme.
Others say that despite the comedy branding, it only reinforces the cultural and racial stereotyping of Indians as less sophisticated than others.
The cast includes actress Meera Syal who plays the part of a socks-wearing, salwar kameez clad Punjabi grandmother with a wicked sense of humour.
Eighty-five-year-old Mandela who approached BBC bosses and told them how he loved to watch the series has invited the cast to South Africa and is likely to star in a one off episode coming May.
Filming will take place in a temporary studio that the BBC intends to build near his home in Qunu in Eastern Cape province.
A spokesperson for the cast said in a statement, "To say this is a huge honour is a massive understatement. We are trying to get things put together in time for the 10th anniversary of when he became South African president on May 10. Actress Syal told Britain's Associated newspapers how Mandela can expect to face questions about his ex wife Winnie and also about the time he spent in jail on South Africa's notorious Robben Island.
"I would ask him if it was correct that he stayed as long as he could in confinement for more than 27 years because he knew that once he got out Winnie would be waiting for him," Syal is quoted as saying.
"There is also the matter of his colourful shirts. I am sure there would be a question on whether he had Punjabi blood in him due to the outlandish pattern of his clothing - and his ability to bhangra every time he hears a drum.
"As fellow octogenarians I'm sure Granny Kumar would want to share the secrets of youth with each other. And she would also be interested to know if he was ever likely to be back on the market as we silver haired folk have to stick together," the spokesperson said.
