Release just in time for Valentines, ‘Mahi NRI’ (My Beloved Non-Resident Indian), is already kicking up a storm; both here in the UK and further afield. Set ostensibly in Birmingham, the romantic comedy that follows the life of student, Sherry (Hardy Sandhu), who lands in the UK with very little experience of the British way of life. He’s in England to become an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) to please his girlfriend’s mother back in the Punjab who feels that a man from UK is the only suitable match for her daughter. The narrative follows the twists and turns that he goes through as it takes a humorous sideways look at the rural Indian point of view; of Britain still seen as the place where the streets are paved with gold and that all British Asians have huge sprawling houses, big cars and an endless supply of money.
“I worked hard to prep myself for the part,” Hardy said. “Sherry is a happy-go-lucky guy who doesn’t have a care it the world, until the reality of him losing his girlfriend dawns upon him – a role I really relished.” Rameet Sandhu who plays love interest Mandy, says; “As a British Indian - born and raised in Glasgow - I was so humbled to be chosen for my role in the film. I worked very hard to play Mandy and I hope my work will be appreciated.”
Director Gaurav Bavdankar said; “Most Indian filmmakers want to film in London, whereas I wanted my main characters to be based in my home town. The support and love we received from the people of Birmingham and the Black Country while filming was overwhelming.”
Mahi NRI was made by Firefly Motion Pictures and Ranbir Kaloya Productions.