Basra also finds inspiration in the resilience and determination of women everywhere. “Seeing women multitask — balancing life, work, children, and family — is incredibly motivational. Before, women were often written off after marriage and motherhood, but today, we have the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Seeing my daughter proud of me for following my passion inspires me to do even better.”
After almost a decade away from acting, Basra returns to the big screen with Mehar, directed by award-winning filmmaker Rakesh Mehta. Set in the emotionally rich backdrop of rural Punjab, the film tells the story of Karamjit, a man striving to reclaim his dignity as a father, husband, and son. With heartfelt family drama and soul-stirring music, Mehar explores love, redemption, and the unshakable belief in second chances.
“When Mehar came to me, I couldn’t say no,” Basra says. “It’s a deep, meaningful story that resonates on every level. I hope my journey and this film inspire others to keep believing in their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.”
Mehar marks a triumphant return for Geeta Basra, showcasing not only her talent but also the enduring influence of the women who inspire her every day.
We interviewed Geeta about it all:
After a hiatus of nearly a decade from Indian cinema, Geeta Basra makes a heartfelt return with Punjabi film Mehar, a
moving family drama that explores love, second chances, and redemption. The acclaimed actress steps back into the
spotlight with a role that promises to connect with audiences across generations. In Mehar, she plays Simi, a woman whose
journey through marriage, motherhood, and unexpected challenges highlights both vulnerability and inner strength.
Ahead of the film’s global release on September 5, the great British talent opens up about what drew her to the project,
her favourite moments on set, and why Mehar is a story that speaks to everyone. She also spoke about working with her
cricket icon husband Harbhajan Singh.
What did you like about Mehar?
The beautiful storyline attracted me to this film. It's something that hasn’t been seen in Punjabi cinema. It's an
emotional, family driven story, that binds all the characters together. Every relationship, including the husband, wife,
father, son, mother, uncle and friends has an important part to play. I think that kind of relatable family friendly
entertainment hasn’t come in a long time. There's also a great 90s touch to this film. It also has brilliant music and plenty
of emotions.
Tell us about the character you play?
My character Simi is a very simple girl. What I really love about this character is her transition from a young girl to a
married woman and devoted mother. She faces all the struggles with her husband and then has unexpected challenges. This is a
character women of different ages will really relate to. She has a softness, but also an inner strength. For her,
everything is about family, and that's something I really connected with.
Tell us about the Mehar story?
I can't give too much away but I will say that the story is
very emotional film, and my character has been a joy to play. She's today's kind of girl and will do anything for love,
including sacrifices and compromises. It’s a cultural story connected to Punjab, but very universal. It’s a story about
hope, second chances and not giving up. It has something for all ages and many layers.
What is your favourite moment in the movie?
Without giving too much away, my favourite part of Mehar is the breaking point scene - where there is a face-off between
my character and her husband, played by Raj (Kundra). It was something so different from who I am, so showing that much anger was a challenge. It’s something I don't usually show in real life, so it really took me out of my comfort zone. After that scene, the whole set applauded me. That was a favourite memory because then, you know, you've done it right.
Who are you hoping connects with this film?
This is a story that will cater for all ages, from young to older audiences. Whether it’s the relatable characters, universal emotions, commercial music and just showing beautiful parts of the Punjab, it will strike a chord with all ages. Mehar also has great life lessons, so audiences will
take something away after it ends.
What was it like stepping back in front of the camera?
It's always great stepping back in front of the camera. This is my second film after marriage. I have a Hindi film releasing, which we had shot a year and a half ago. But Mehar has now become my comeback film. So, it's a joy always and what you love most as an actor. It was an overwhelming and blessing feeling being in front of the camera. I couldn’t wait to be back on set each day.
What inspires you?
Different people at different points have inspired me. Seeing women multitasking and balancing life, work, their kids and
family is very inspirational. It's great when women can do that, and today we have that opportunity. Before you were written off after marriage and motherhood, but that has changed thankfully. Seeing women working and fulfilling their
dreams is really inspiring. And it's nice to be in that position today. Seeing my daughter, so proud that I'm living
my dream, making movies, and so happy, also inspires me to do better. My mother is my first, foremost inspiration in life. Seeing how she's balanced life with her businesses and raising three children makes me want to do better.
Can you see yourself acting in a film with your husband, cricket icon Harbhajan Singh?
Well, I have already shared some screen space in a movie with him, where I got him to play a special appearance in Second
Hand Husband, where I end up with him. I mean, let's see when that opportunity comes. We're working together on (TV show)
Who's The Boss, which has been so much fun, and something we both have enjoyed. It's my first production venture, so
putting this together has been dream. There's more seasons and episodes to come, which everyone will definitely enjoy.
You must be happy with how well Punjabi cinema has been doing? One thing you get very proud of, especially being a Punjabi, is seeing the industry grow so vastly. Regional cinema across India has been doing well and Punjabi films are very much part of that, with great successes. It's fantastic to see the growth of the industry and be a part of it. This is now my second film in Punjabi after Lock and there will hopefully be many more. It's fantastic to see great directors, producers, actors, writers, musicians, and crew creating such great
films.
Many Punjabi films are doing better than Bollywood…
Yes, if you see that a lot of Hindi films are not doing as well. People are not actually going to theatres to watch them,
whereas Punjabi films are pulling in audiences in cinemas globally. I think that's something that we should really be proud of –people actually going to theatres and enjoying the films, rather than waiting for it to be on the streaming platforms.
Why should we all watch Mehar?
Everyone should watch Mehar because you're definitely going to see a cinematic film full entertainment made for the big
screen. It is a full package and one of those films that people will enjoy in the theatre with the kind of scale it
has. From the visuals to the background score, songs, and everything it's been made on a very large scale for theatres.
After a long time, we're getting to see an emotional family film that will appeal to all ages. Regardless of how the film
does, I think it’s a winning blockbuster in our hearts, because the team has been fantastic and done such a great job.
Please support our Punjabi film industry, so we can carry on making good content and great films. That inspires us as
creatives and makes us want to bring even greater movies to theatres.
Mehar is in cinemas on September 5
