Dowry is the theme of producer, director and writer Gurmeet Sran, in his short film Umeed – The Hope, based on true events.
Gurmeet graduated from Southseas Films and Television School in Auckland, where he majored in screen writing and film direction. He started working as an assistant director in Kiwi projects and films, and was involved in documentaries and writing plays as well. But when one of his friends suffered on account of dowry, Gurmeet was inspired to write a film about the “social evil”. Since 2011, he is constantly working on projects related to dowry and domestic violence.
The film stars Dr Sonia Singh, Karan Battan, Sunita Sethi, and Vikramkeet Dhunna.
Karan is a British-Indian actor who has appeared in mainstream independent films and art films in various characters, stage plays and music videos. His first stage play in Australia was Goddess of Hindustan and won the best actor award 2013.
Sonia is an actor, model and producer. She has a PhD in education and has worked in many stage plays in India and Australia, most of them to raise awareness on domestic violence. She was also first runner-up in the Ms India Melbourne in Australia in 2013.
Vikramjeet and Sunita are two exceptionally talented actors who have acted in music videos, short films, and stage plays.
Meanwhile, Gurmeet is already working on Umeed – Part 2, and shooting will commence in August this year. “This is my tribute to those who have suffered on account of dowry harassment,” says Gurmeet.
Indian Films Melbourne
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