Indian actor and singer Tarsem Singh Jassar arrived in Hull, Yorkshire, this week to begin filming the musical drama Dastaar, touted as the first Bollywood‑style production to be shot in the city. In an interview with local media, Jassar said the city’s “amazing architecture and a warm welcome” had made his debut visit unforgettable as he prepares to portray a Sikh entrepreneur navigating identity and racism in contemporary Britain.
Bollywood meets Yorkshire: the making of Dastaar
Dastaar follows the story of a second‑generation Sikh family that settled in the North East during the post‑World‑II migration wave. The screenplay, written by London‑based writer Priyanka Mehta, draws on oral histories collected from the Sikh community in Hull and surrounding towns. Production company WestBridge Studios secured permission from Hull City Council in March to use historic sites such as the Guildhall and the Maritime Museum as backdrops, capitalising on the city’s “Victorian grandeur” and “riverfront ambience,” which the crew says echo the visual language of classic Indian cinema.
According to a statement from the council, Hull is actively pursuing “creative economy” projects to diversify its post‑industrial identity, positioning itself as a hub for film and television. The council’s cultural development officer, Claire Hawkins, noted that the city’s recent hosting of festivals and the opening of the new digital media studio at the University of Hull have laid the groundwork for a production of this scale.
Jassar’s perspective on Hull’s hospitality
Jassar, 38, highlighted the personal impact of the city’s reception. “People are really sweet here, I love that,” he said, adding that the “warm welcome” felt “like a home away from home.” He described the local architecture as “amazing,” noting that the intricate stonework of the old town hall reminded him of “the ornate facades of Kolkata’s heritage buildings.” The actor’s remarks echo previous visitor testimonials cited by the council, which have praised Hull’s “friendly atmosphere” and “sense of community.”
The actor also explained that his character is inspired by the experiences of Sikhs who arrived in the UK decades ago and faced systemic discrimination. “I wanted to give voice to those stories, to show the resilience and the challenges of the community,” Jassar told reporters. He emphasized that the film seeks to “bridge cultures” and spark dialogue about race relations in Britain.
Historical context: Sikhs in Hull
Hull’s Sikh population traces its roots to the late 1950s, when migrants from Punjab arrived to fill labour shortages in the coal and shipping sectors. By the 1970s, a modest but cohesive community had established gurdwaras, Punjabi schools, and businesses. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, around 2,500 Sikhs reside in the Hull‑East Yorkshire area today, representing roughly 0.7% of the local population.
Academic Dr. Amar Singh, a sociologist at the University of Hull, notes that “the Sikh diaspora here has historically navigated a dual identity, balancing preservation of cultural traditions with integration into British civic life.” He adds that the community has faced “periodic spikes of xenophobia,” especially during national debates on immigration, but has also contributed significantly to local commerce and charitable initiatives.
Cultural significance and economic impact
The production is expected to generate an estimated £1.2 million in direct spending, according to a forecast from the regional film office. This includes hiring local crew, renting equipment, and using city services. Moreover, the presence of a Bollywood‑style film may attract tourism, as fans from across the UK and abroad could travel to Hull for location tours and premieres.
Local businesses are already preparing. The city’s hospitality association reported a 15% uptick in reservations at hotels near the filming sites, and several restaurants have added “Indian‑British fusion” menus to cater to the crew’s palate. “It’s a win‑win,” said Mark Rogers, manager of the Waterfront Hotel, “we get business and we showcase Hull on an international platform.”
Broader social backdrop: Hull’s recent challenges
While celebrating the cultural venture, Hull continues to grapple with social tensions highlighted in recent coverage of the 2024‑25 unrest surrounding asylum‑seeker accommodation. Reports by the BBC have documented community frustration over the use of hotels for asylum seekers, a topic that also surfaces in discussions about immigration policy and local identity.
Experts argue that artistic projects like Dastaar can serve as “soft diplomacy,” fostering understanding amid polarized debates. “When people see nuanced stories on screen, it can humanise communities that are otherwise reduced to headlines,” said cultural analyst Priya Kaur of the Arts Council England. The film’s focus on Sikh experiences may therefore contribute to “a broader conversation about belonging and inclusion” in a city still navigating its post‑industrial transformation.
Looking ahead: release plans and community outreach
Dastaar is slated for a limited theatrical release in the UK in early 2026, followed by a streaming debut on a major platform. The producers have announced a series of community screenings in Hull’s community centres, including a free showing at the Hull City Hall in partnership with the local Sikh Association. These events aim to “bring the story back to the people who inspired it,” according to producer Anil Patel.
In addition, a behind‑the‑scenes documentary is being prepared for broadcast on the BBC, featuring interviews with local residents, historians, and members of the Sikh community. The partnership underscores a collaborative effort to ensure the film’s narrative resonates both locally and internationally.
As Hull welcomes its first Bollywood production, the city stands at a cultural crossroads, where historic architecture, community goodwill, and a vibrant artistic vision converge to spotlight the complexities of identity, migration, and belonging in modern Britain.
