Mumbai, Dec 10 (NationPress) International filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, renowned for her acclaimed works like Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice, may have established a successful global career, yet she remains firmly connected to her Indian, particularly Punjabi, heritage.

In a conversation with IANS, the distinguished director shared her passion for Bollywood, reminiscing about her childhood fondness for the classic film Baiju Bawra. “The film I grew up watching was my dad’s absolute favourite, ‘Baiju Bawra’,” Chadha revealed during her discussion with IANS. “When I first met my husband, I insisted he watch it before meeting my father, as this film would convey everything about our family,” she humorously noted.

Chadha reflected, “My childhood involved watching my dad and uncle, after a few drinks, passionately sing Mohammad Rafi and Naushad’s songs. Even in Australia, my chacha (uncle) continues this tradition,” she shared. She recounted her husband’s initial reaction to Baiju Bawra: “He struggled to stay awake during that lengthy film. Once it concluded, he looked at me in disbelief and said, ‘What? They die? After all that razzmatazz, they die?’ He was utterly taken aback,” she elaborated.

“I responded, ‘Yes, that’s the beauty of it. They die together, and that’s why people cherish the film; they are united in death and will reunite in another life.’ He just stared at me and exclaimed, ‘This is crazy!’”

The globally recognized filmmaker, who has consistently represented Indian voices in Western cinema, also candidly discussed the challenges she continues to confront as a British-Indian filmmaker, particularly in Western nations.

While speaking to IANS, Chadha remarked on how issues of identity politics continue to shadow her work, even after years of success. “I am always aware that someone like me doesn’t fit the typical image of filmmakers in the West,” she stated. Gurinder added, “People like me, or my parents, have fought hard to be acknowledged for who we genuinely are. Therefore, simply creating films in Britain is a political act because I’m sharing stories from my own viewpoint.”

Despite proving her prowess and capability as a leading filmmaker through hits like Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice, Chadha pointed out that Indian perspectives are still perceived as commercially unviable in Western markets. “There persists a belief that casting an Indian actor as the lead in a Western film won’t yield commercial success. I am frequently categorized by others, and I continuously strive to break free from those limitations and redefine the norms,” stated Chadha.

Professionally, Gurinder Chadha is poised for the release of her upcoming festive film, The Christmas Karma, featuring Hollywood’s beloved Indian-origin actor Kunal Nayyar.

For those unaware, the film includes a special song – a Bollywood-style rendition of the classic holiday tune ‘Last Christmas’ performed by global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The movie is set to premiere on December 12 in India.

–IANS

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