Jaspreet Kaur has written the script for BBC’s documentary ‘Topknot or not?’ that airs on BBC this week. It is the story of a 14 year old Sikh boy who gets tired of being asked by classmates as to why he wears a handkerchief in a knot over his head. Speaking exclusively to Asian Voice, Kaur said, “The short coming-of-age film shares the complex realities and nuances that exist for many young Sikh boys across the world. I was really humbled to write this story, one that so often has been underrepresented, and even sometimes, ignored or erased. We had forty-five Sikh boys audition for the role which tells you how important these kinds of stories are to young people, and how important it is for them to see someone that looks like them or they can relate to on-screen.” “It was inspired by my husband’s journey, and what it was like for him growing up, trying to navigate having a juri alongside all the societal pressure and peer pressure young Sikh boys have to face as teenagers. Speaking to him about his kesh (unshorn hair) and what it means to him and his identity really moved me to write this script,” she added.
“Though I have been a writer and poet for many years, this was my first script to screen project and I can’t wait to share more stories that I have in the pipeline,” Kaur said.
