Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, the creative force behind 'Bend It Like Beckham', has landed in Mumbai with a dual mission: to launch her upcoming festive drama, 'Christmas Karma', and to dive straight into the city's vibrant social scene.
A Star-Studded Mumbai Welcome
Upon arriving in the Maximum City, Chadha immediately joined the celebrations for designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra's new project, 'Gustaakh Ishq'. The glittering event was attended by a constellation of Bollywood luminaries, including the legendary Rekha, the effervescent Kajol, the esteemed Shabana Azmi, and the influential filmmaker Karan Johar.
Capturing the joyous moments, Chadha took to social media to share fun photos with the star-studded group. She expressed her excitement with the caption, "Landed in #mumbai to launch @christmaskarmamovie and hit the ground running with my dear friends celebrating @manishmalhotra05's new film as producer @gustaakh_ishq. Hugh congrats and bravo."
The Heartfelt Inspiration Behind 'Christmas Karma'
As 'Christmas Karma' prepares for its release on December 12, Chadha opened up about the deeply personal inspiration that fueled the movie's creation. For her, the holiday season begins with a cherished family tradition.
"For me, Christmas begins with my annual family tradition, where I take my children to watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' at the Prince Charles Cinema in London," the director shared. "Every year, I cry buckets at the end while being moved by its life-affirming message. That love for classic holiday storytelling inspired 'Christmas Karma'."
She described the film as her "ode to Dickens and Capra with a contemporary twist," exploring the true meaning of Christmas in today's divided world. The narrative emphasizes how fundamental values like kindness, empathy, and hope continue to bridge hearts and bring people together.
Infusing Sikh Philosophy into a Christmas Tale
In a unique creative blend, Chadha has woven the core tenets of Sikh philosophy into the fabric of her Christmas story. She explained how the Sikh concept of 'Living is Giving', which is part of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, became a central theme.
"Being a Sikh, the core message of 'Ek On Khar' (We are all one) resonates heavily for me in the making of my film," Chadha stated. This profound belief in the oneness of humanity directly influences the film's message, making 'Christmas Karma' a universal story of compassion and unity that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
