Actor Idris Elba features in Guerrilla, a six-part British drama mini-series set in early 1970s London and against the backdrop of the Immigration Act 1971 and British black power movements. He says the series is special to him as he got the opportunity to bring to life a story that reflects some of his personal history.

The series, which also stars Indian-origin actress Frieda Pinto, sheds light on the British Black Panthers and Race Today Collective. 

Did researching for his role and the truth that Guerrilla is based on, touch a nerve with him personally? "I was born in Hackney 1972 and I remember having a very happy childhood, but my dad would tell a different story. And that story is what we're bringing to life in Guerrilla. As a child, I was shielded from some of the harsher aspects of prejudice, but as I grew older, I talked to my parents about what they went through and the problems they faced," Elba said in a statement.

"And so, the opportunity to bring to life a story that reflects some of my personal history is really special to me. We filmed some of the tea house scenes right near my childhood home, and so some days walking to set felt like walking back in time. I couldn't not be a part of a project like this," he added.