Anita Barar’s latest documentary, Finding Grandpa, screened at Western Sydney University’s South Parramatta campus on 21 March 2025. The 52-minute film brings to life the extraordinary journey of Baljinder Singh, an Indian-Australian who spent 23 years searching for the grandfather who arrived in Australia in 1920 and never returned.
At its heart, this is a story of determination, hope, and a promise made to a grandmother that refused to be broken. Singh arrived in Australia in 1986 with little more than an address, expecting a straightforward search. Instead, days turned to months, then years, as he uncovered fragments of a life lived but long forgotten. The man he sought, Mehnga Singh, had woven himself into Australia’s past, working on farmlands in Camden, NSW. By the time Baljinder pieced together his story, Grandpa was no longer there to make the journey home.
Barar, known for her ability to bring human stories to the screen, was immediately drawn to Singh’s relentless pursuit. “We live in a world where promises are broken every single day. But here was a man who risked everything to fulfil his promise made to his Grandma as a young, 12-year-old boy. When I met Baljinder Singh, I knew right there that the story had to be told and I must make this film,” she said.
The film sheds light on the early Indian presence in Australia, touching on the often-overlooked contributions of Indian hawkers and cameleers. “It was amazing to discover some fascinating and unknown facts about Indians in Australia. The valuable contributions of Indian hawkers and cameleers in Australian history, be it during the Burke and Wills Expedition or donating generously to a hospital in NSW,” Barar added.
The documentary was supported by those who worked on it, volunteered their time, and believed in the importance of telling this story. Cinzia Guaraldi, producer at Salt of the Earth Productions, described Finding Grandpa as a labour of love. “It’s a space where rich histories and untold tales are ripe and ready to come to life on the screen.”
Barar’s work extends beyond film, exploring themes of settlement, human emotion, and relationships through writing, theatre, and presentations. Her storytelling has earned her multiple awards in Australia and internationally.
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