Byron Bay’s own Devendra Parmar is making waves in international cinema with Barber of Baadarpur (titled Chambal Paar in India), a film that celebrates India’s rural heritage through the eyes of Nikita Porwal, the newly crowned Miss India 2024. Together with his brother, acclaimed Bollywood costume designer Sanjeev Rajsingh Parmar, Devendra co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced this feature as a heartfelt homage to village life in the 1980s.
Shot in India in 2023 and financed by film enthusiasts from Northern Rivers, NSW, Barber of Baadarpur premiered at the Stuttgart Indian Film Festival this July, drawing enthusiastic responses. As casting director, Sanjeev was quick to recognise Nikita’s potential, casting her in the lead role, where her debut portrayal of a rural girl captures the heart of the film’s message. Devendra’s vision shines through in the film’s authentic scenes and original soundtrack, featuring Brij folk and Indian classical music, which complement the vibrant storytelling.
Devendra explains, “We wanted to preserve the essence of Indian village culture through cinema. It’s a way to document traditions and stories as modernisation redefines the landscape.” The film’s editor, Aseem Sinha, whose past collaborations include projects with renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal, crafted the footage into a seamless narrative, preserving the cultural richness of India’s northern countryside.
With its sights set on releases in India and Australia in early 2025, Barber of Baadarpur brings Australia’s Northern Rivers film scene closer to global audiences, proving that Byron Bay’s creative talent reaches well beyond its shores. As Nikita steps onto the Miss World stage, she brings with her the pride of two nations—and a film that honours her heritage, crafted by an Australian-Indian duo.
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