Film director Gurinder Chadha returned to her hometown of Southall last Friday (21 November 2025) to join local pupils from Blair Peach Primary School in marking the forthcoming release of her new festive film, Christmas Karma.
Ms Chadha, who moved to Southall from Kenya at the age of two, is best known for directing films including Bend It Like Beckham, Bhaji on the Beach and Bride and Prejudice.
The event was held at Berkeley Group’s The Green Quarter, where 45 year-three pupils from Blair Peach Primary School performed “Last Christmas (Desi Version),” a track from the film’s soundtrack. The children were accompanied by dancers in traditional Indian dress.
Christmas Karma, a new musical film, features a cast including Hugh Bonneville, Danny Dyer, Boy George and Eva Longoria.
Ms Chadha said: “What a pleasure to open the Parkside festivities in Southall, a stone’s throw from where I grew up. The children from Blair Peach school sang Last Christmas beautifully. The song features in my new musical film Christmas Karma. We are all feeling very festive now.”
The community gathering took place ahead of Parkside Yards’ “12 Days of Christmas,” a programme of festive events running from 1 to 12 December 2025. Highlights include a Christmas lights switch-on on 4 December 2025 and festive markets on 6 and 7 December 2025, offering goods from local and independent traders.
Organisers said the initiative aims to celebrate Southall’s cultural heritage and encourage residents to participate in seasonal activities. The full schedule is available on the Open Southall website.
