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British star Banita Sandhu aiming to build on the success of debut film October

British actor Banita Sandhu, who made her debut with October, says she does not want to limit herself to a particular genre.

The 20-year-old actor says she enjoys commercial cinema and she wants to be associated with good content.


"I don't want to box myself into anything. I have done October and I am super happy. I want to be versatile and work with different creative people. If it is a massy film, great or if it is going to be independent film with first time director, that also will be great. I just want to be creatively passionate about the project.

"... We all have grown up watching (commercial cinema) and there is a reason they do well. But at the same time, I am so much driven creatively to push the envelope and boundaries and creating new content," Banita said.

The actor received appreciation for her performance as Shiuli, a hotel trainee who goes into coma after a freak accident. The film also starred Varun Dhawan.

"I am indebted to Shoojit Sircar (director) for trusting me with this role. It was a life changing role for me. It looked easy on screen but it wasn't. We all worked as a team to pull it off. The response we got is incredible. I feel blessed and grateful to be part of the project," she says.

After shooting the film, Banita returned to the UK to film Diljit Dosanjh's music video Jind Mahi.

The actor says Diljit approached her team for the song and she was excited to work with him.

"I am a Punjabi and my family like Diljit. They are more excited about this music video. I am a huge fan of Diljit and Udta Punjab is one of my favourite films. It was an enjoyable shoot," she says.

On films, Banita says she is yet to zero in on her next project.

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British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios

Instagram/ukchinafilm

British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

Highlights:

  • Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
  • Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
  • Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
  • Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
  • Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.

The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm

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