Gurinder Chadha’s debut feature Bhaji on the Beach is an empowering and cultured comedy about the bond between women regardless of age and background. A group of women, led by Simi (Shaheen Khan), leave their lives in Birmingham for a day out in Blackpool. Initially, the women seem not to have much in common due to their age gaps and different beliefs but by the end of the day, they learn of the bond they share and the significance of each other’s company. Director Gurinder Chadha and screenwriter Meera Syal infuse a precise and slightly critical eye as well as a welcome warmth into this charming and funny story.
Gurinder Chadha made her feature film debut with Bhaji on the Beach before having a smash hit with Bend it Like Beckham in 2002. Following a string of subsequent films she is now firmly established as arguably Britain’s most successful British Asian filmmaker.
