NRI, Ish Amitoj Kaur directs
Kambdi Kalaai' Sikh Diaspora movie
California, March 21, 2006
Sarwan Singh
The first ever film on Sikh Diaspora
Kambdi Kalaai, the film is focused on the state
of oscillation of human mind, which makes it difficult to
grasp the truth. The title song, Supne vich Tusin Mile
Assanu is the superb creation of the master metaphysical
Punjabi Poet Dr. Bhai Vir Singh. The song is wonderful depiction
of his spiritual experience. Metaphorically, the same has
been used for the ethical righteousness which we find difficult
to attain due to lack of steadfastness.
Set up in the back ground of New York, the film explores
how faith and human relationship mingle together to create
an everlasting impact on the human psyche.
Set up in the background of New York, the film explores how
faith and human relationship mingle together to create an
everlasting impact on the human psyche.
Shooting this film too has been a wonderful experience in
human relationship. All the crewmembers of the film unit were
non-Sikhs. One of them said,I did not know all that,
it has broadened my vision about Sikhism. Another said,
I will not ever crack jokes on Sikhs, now that I know
the history. And the third one commented, it is
certainly not a film about the Sikhs and for the Sikhs only---basically
it is about commitment to any faith.
NRI, Ish Amitoj Kaur says I
love films, I love watching films I like making films, I like
drama, I like literature and all combined gave me a direction
to make a Punjabi film on Sikh Diaspora. There are 25
million Sikhs in the world and if we see their 500 yrs long
tradition and culture we dont see one film made on them.
Documentaries or purely religious films are one thing but
what about films in Punjabi about Sikhs? How long will we
be slave to cheap portrayal of Sikhs in media? We need to
rise to the occasion and make the media aware of our presence.
People say we need a film like Braveheart Well
if big award-winning films like Schindlers List
could be such a big hit then why cant there be a film
based on the Sikh holocaust? And this is just a beginning
that might lead us towards it.
NRI, Ish Amitoj Kaur started scripting
Kambdi Kalaai 5 months back, she was clear on one of the charactersBhani
for whom she had Preet Cheema from Calgary in her mind. She
had worked with Preet in Asa Nu Maan Vatna Da
and knew that she is a star in the making. Preet readily agreed
to work in the film. Parmjit Singh from New York took 2 weeks
off from his work to portray the Gursikh Character of Gurmukh
in the film. Caroline Treadwell from L.A. was an added asset
to the film.
Please visit us at: www.kambdikalaai.com
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