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Newsmakers of the Week NOVEMBER 21, 2025 | The Indian Eye 31

In his role, Khalsa has also en- According to the press note,
gaged actively in community and the movie is a deeply moving, fe-
political work: he has served on the male-driven family drama which trac-
Board of Education and advocated es three generations of women as they
for equity and cultural awareness in confront their shared past and buried
his adopted hometown. Norwich sits secrets during a transformative sum-
in New England’s southern region mer in India.
and is part of a state known for its The story follows Monika, a
relatively high per-capita income and stressed single mother who sends her
progressive politics. two teenage daughters to visit their
Khalsa’s election has been hailed relatives in India, hoping the trip will reconnect them with their Punjabi roots.
as a breakthrough in representation for the Sikh and South Asian diaspora in What begins as a reluctant visit soon unravels into a powerful journey of identity,
America. As he assumes office, residents and community groups in Norwich healing, and rediscovery across continents and generations, added the press note.
are watching closely to see how this symbolic and practical leadership will ‘Calorie’ marks another strong performance by Anupam Kher, who brings
impact civic engagement, multicultural understanding and local governance. emotional depth and nuance to a film that bridges two worlds, Canada and In-
dia. Known for his versatile global career, Kher’s participation reinforces the
MEENAKSHI LEKHI film’s cross-cultural resonance and storytelling power.
Anupam Kher, lead actor of the film, said, “Calorie is a deeply human story
GOPIO International Interacts that goes beyond borders. It’s about family, memory, and healing--themes that
every audience can relate to. I was drawn to the honesty and emotional truth of
with Former Minister Eisha’s storytelling,” as quoted by the press note.

OPIO International and its PRIYANKA CHOPRA
chapters in the New York
Garea organized a Meet and Actor reinvents iconic song
Greet luncheon event with Smt.
Meenakhshi Lekhi, former Minis- ‘Last Christmas’
ter of State for External Affairs and
Culture of India. It was attended by global icon in herself, actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has once again
GOPIO members, chapter officials, A
stirred magic with her vocals, bringing a desi-flavoured reinvention of
community leaders and media repre- Wham!’s all-time classic ‘Last Christmas’ for Gurinder Chadha’s up-
sentatives. It was hosted by GOPIO coming film Christmas Karma.
Life Member Ashok Bhatt at Hotel Featured in Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming festive family film, the song
Lexington Plaza in Manhattan on November 5th. features Priyanka’s mesmerising voice as she helms the Hindi lyrics, accom-
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham spoke on GOPIO’s mission and panied by melodious music. It also features a touch of classical India music,
accomplishments. President Prakash Shah spoke on the historic perspective adding a layer of festivities.
of the Indian Diaspora spreading over a thousand years ago in many South- Priyanka Chopra, who has proven her talent across the Indian film indus-
east Asian countries which still have large Hindu temples. Now that we have try as well as in Hollywood, cementing herself as a versatile performer, marks
over 35 million people in the Diaspora, it is in India’s interest to engage with a long-awaited collaboration with Gurinder Chadha.
the Diaspora closely. The two share a friendship that dates back many years.
Smt. Lekhi spoke on the importance of the Diaspora contributing to the Speaking on the same, Priyanka Chopra hailed Gurinder Chadha as “one
STEM area in the Western countries, resulting in Indian Diaspora being re- of the very few stalwarts in entertainment who have championed stories of
spected all over the world. She answered many questions from the audience. the Indian diaspora globally and consistently with absolute authenticity and
GOPIO presented her with a collector’s item, two designs of First Day Covers heart,” as per a press release.
released by the US Postal Service at the First Global Convention of People of “She is a dear friend, and I am so happy to support her in my little way
Indian Origin held in New York in 1989. in Christmas Karma. I hope this desi twist to a song that has long been the
soundtrack of Christmas for so many of us resonates with audiences,” the
ANUPAM KHER actor added.
‘Christmas Karma’ director Chadha said, “I am the biggest George Mi-
‘Calorie’ to be screened at Interna- chael Fan, and frankly, who isn’t, so I am very grateful to his estate for allowing
us to put our own unique twist on his classic Christmas song. When I called my
tional Film Festival of India 2025 mate Priyanka Chopra Jonas to sing our fun Hindi version, she kindly stepped
in to support me and the film with her beautiful take on Last Christmas.”
Anushka Shah, CEO of Civic Studios, shared how Priyanka Chopra’s ad-
nupam Kher starrer ‘Calorie’ is set to make its international premiere in dition to the classic Christmas song marks a “perfect East meets West bridge.”
the Cinema of the World section at the 56th International Film Festival
Directed by Gurinder Chadha, known for films like ‘Bend It Like Beck-
Aof India (IFFI) in Goa, which will be held from 20th to 28th November. ham’ and ‘Blinded By The Light’, ‘Christmas Karma’ is a festive, fresh and feel-
Produced by Compass Productions, ‘Calorie’ is written and directed by
Indo-Canadian filmmaker Eisha Marjara. The film is slated to release in the- good musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’.
The film features Kunal Nayyar in the lead role as a modern-day Scrooge
atres across Canada on November 28, 2025. Inspired by true events, according to and stars Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Boy George, Danny Dyer, Leo Suter,
the press note, the film follows a Sikh-Canadian family as they confront loss and Pixie Lott, Charithra Chandran, and Hugh Bonneville.
generational wounds, rediscovering love, identity, and healing along the way. The film is set to be released in India by PVRINOX Pictures on Decem-
The ensemble cast features Ellora Patnaik in the lead role, known for ‘Sort
Of’, ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’, ‘Kim’s Convenience’, and ‘Ginny & Geor- ber 12, 2025, promising audiences a lively, heartwarming holiday experience.
gia’, along with films such as ‘My Own Country’, ‘Tapish’, and ‘One Small Visit’.
The film also stars Dolly Ahluwalia, Shanaya Dhillon-Birmhan (debut), To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
Ashley Ganger, Sana Syed, Puja Uppal and Tia Bhatia. The film is produced our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
by Joe Balass.

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