Tarsem Singh Jassar on filming in 'amazing' city

13 December 2025

Naj ModakEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — Jassar said the film is about "turban pride," referring to the head garment traditionally worn by Sikh men, also known as a dastar

BBC/Naj Modak Tarsem Singh Jassar wearing a blue turban and blue coat. He has a black beard. He is wearing a white t-shirt, grey shirt and grey top. There is a brick wall underneath a bridge behind him. There are two yellow traffic cones and members of the cast and crew stand in the background. — Jassar said the film is about "turban pride," referring to the head garment traditionally worn by Sikh men, also known as a dastar

Tarsem Singh Jassar says "amazing" architecture and a warm welcome have made his first visit to a Yorkshire city unforgettable as he takes on a role exploring identity and racism in Britain.

The Indian actor and singer, 38, plays the lead in Dastaar, the first Bollywood production to be filmed in Hull.

"People are really sweet here, I love that," he added.

Jassar said his character was inspired by the experiences of Sikhs who came to the UK decades ago and faced discrimination.

"It's about the turban pride," he explained, referring to the head garment traditionally worn by Sikh men, known as a dastar, which gives the film its name.

"This is about humanity. We are all equal. It's not about any colour," he said.

Jassar added it was important to share their story especially with young people, adding that Sikh soldiers played a key role in the British army in World War One.

Northern Films Two Rover police cars parked up outside the former Bob Carver's chip shop in Trinity House Lane in Hull with a sign that reads "police slow" and a another sign that reads "caution, filming in progress, apologies for any inconvenience caused". — Two Rover police cars are seen parked up outside the former Bob Carver's chip shop in Trinity House Lane

Producer Manmord Singh Sidhu, 44, said Hull's architecture was central to the decision to use the East Yorkshire city for filming. "Our story's based in the late 1980s and early 1990s. We were looking for the architecture and found it here," he said.

Sidhu praised the city's growing reputation among filmmakers, citing productions such as Enola Holmes 2, The Crown, Blitz, The Extraordinary Life of David Copperfield and A Royal Night Out. "The people are very friendly," he added.

Northern Films A crew member stands with two film lights in front of a mound of rubble with the Humber Bridge and trees in the background. — East Yorkshire has become a background for an increasing number of productions

Hull-based Northern Films helped secure locations and supporting artists for the shoot, which also includes scenes in Goole and Scunthorpe.

Bollywood is used to describe the Hindi-language film industry, which is part of India's overall film sector—the largest in the world by number of films produced annually.

The film is due for release on 17 July 2026, with talks under way for a special screening in Hull.

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