Writer Hanif Kureishi looks back on how his semi-autobiographical novel The Buddha of Suburbia became one of the defining BBC dramas of the 1990s. He discusses how it set new standards in representing multicultural Britain, the importance that humour plays in pushing serious ideas, and what it was like working with his musical hero, after David Bowie unexpectedly suggested that he write the soundtrack.

Karim becomes a star and goes with Pyke's play to New York. He has to reflect on his return to Britain.

Eva leaves suburbia for the city. Karim becomes an actor and falls in love with Eleanor. Charlie's career advances.

Jamila's intended husband, Changez, arrives from Bombay, but his passion seems to be in discovering 221b Baker Street.

Karim, the teen son of an Indian father and an English mother, looking for trouble, action and sex, is the hero of this comic-drama set in the South London suburbs of the 1970s.