While Indians are the second largest migrant group in Australia, we see an entertainment landscape that’s still working towards greater South Asian representation. So, it’s no surprise that the upcoming premiere of Hindi Vindi is not only well overdue, but immensely exciting for the community.
Directed by Ali Sayed and written by Jay Sharma with Sayed, the feature film boasts a star-studded cast including Bollywood’s Neena Gupta and Mihir Ahuja. Making his acting debut is Australia’s own Guy Sebastian, who also lends his angelic Australian Idol-winning voice to the movie’s stellar soundtrack.
Another familiar face on the screen will be Simran Gulati, an actress, model and perhaps most recognisable to fans from Channel 7 reality show, Plate of Origin. Today, we speak to Simran about her Hindi Vindi character Divya, what it’s like working with the aforementioned big-name stars, her future career ambitions, and of course, what we can expect from the movie.
A huge congrats on Hindi Vindi! How did the opportunity come about to be a part of this film?
The opportunity to be part of Hindi Vindi came about in a rather serendipitous way. I was initially approached by the director, who had seen my previous work and felt that I would be a perfect fit for one of the key roles in the film. After reading the script, I was immediately drawn to the story and the character I was being considered for. The narrative was compelling, and I felt a strong connection to the themes and the overall vision of the project.
Additionally, the chance to work with such a talented cast and crew was something I couldn’t pass up. It was a combination of these factors that ultimately led me to join the Hindi Vindi team, and I am incredibly excited for audiences to see the final product.
What is it that drew you to this role?
I was immediately drawn to Divya and my character’s strength and vulnerability. She is someone who is a fascinating character to play. She is a successful family lawyer, fiercely dedicated to her clients, including Guy Sebastian’s character, whose wife, her best friend, has passed away. This created a complex dynamic.
Professionally, she’s there to guide him through legal matters, but emotionally, she is still grieving the loss of her friend and navigating her own feelings for as she also has a teenage son. Balancing these personal and professional responsibilities, while dealing with the emotional fallout of losing her best friend, makes her a very layered and relatable character. Exploring that internal conflict, that struggle to balance her head and her heart, was a real joy as an actor. I felt this role was very impactful in terms how it glues everything together.
Can you tell us a bit about your character. What is she like, and what do you love most about her?
What I find most compelling about her is how multifaceted she is. On one hand, she maintains a professional demeanour, but on the other, she has deep personal connections that make her so relatable and admirable. Divya’s role as the voice of reason in the family, while managing her own emotions, truly highlights her strength and resilience. It’s her unwavering dedication to the family’s wellbeing, even at the expense of her own feelings, that makes her character so compelling. Her strong-willed nature and ability to stay composed under pressure are aspects that I deeply admire and enjoy bringing to life on screen.
In real life, how similar are you to your character?
In real life, I find that there are certain traits that Divya and I share. I am strong-willed and loyal to my family and friends, much like Divya. However, there were other aspects of her character that required me to work really hard to get into her mindset.
I had to block out outside noise, do extensive research, and spend a lot of time rehearsing to truly embody her character. This process was challenging but incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to bring Divya to life in a way that felt authentic and true to her story.
This film has an incredibly star-studded cast. What was it like working with the likes of Bollywood’s Neena Gupta and Mihir Ahuja?
Working alongside such talented co-stars as Neena Gupta, Mihir Ahuja, and Guy Sebastian was an absolute privilege. It was a masterclass in acting, honestly. Neena ji is not only a legend on screen but also so much fun off-screen. She is truly young at heart, and her energy and humour were infectious. Watching her work was incredibly inspiring. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring so much depth to her character was something I learned a lot from.
Mihir is such a gifted young actor, and his energy and enthusiasm were infectious. He brought so much to his role, and our scenes together were always dynamic and engaging. What was so great about this whole cast was that everyone was so supportive of each other. There was a real sense of camaraderie on set, and we all pushed each other to be better. Their presence definitely influenced my performance.
Did either of them share any words of advice during filming?
One interaction I remember from Neena ji was when she advised me to always trust my instincts and to bring my own unique perspective to the role. She also encouraged me to stay grounded and to remember that acting is not just about delivering lines, but about truly understanding and embodying the character’s emotions and motivations. Her wisdom and experience were incredibly inspiring, and I learned a great deal from her throughout the filming process.
A very recognisable Aussie face, Guy Sebastian, makes his acting debut in this movie. What was it like working with him?
Working with Guy was fantastic. He is so down-to-earth and collaborative, and his performance was incredibly moving. He was so much fun, his comedy between takes was next level. He definitely lightened the room.
Is there anyone from the cast whom you still keep in touch with? We must cheekily ask, is there a cast Whatsapp group?
Yes, I do keep in touch with some of cast. With Neena ji, she is always busy but she at times will message and its always nice to hear from her. The rest of us, we may/may not have a Whatsapp group… haha! But the camaraderie we built on set has continued off-screen, and it’s wonderful to maintain those relationships. Working with such talented individuals created a bond that goes beyond the film, and I’m grateful for the friendships that have developed.
This film brings the best of Indian and Australian talent and culture. How important is it to bring this to the forefront, especially in an entertainment landscape that’s still working towards greater South Asian representation?
Being part of this film, a project that represents the South Asian community, is incredibly special, and personally very meaningful. As someone who is myself a product of that community, having migrated to Australia at a very young age, this project resonates deeply. It’s more than just a film; it’s a reflection of the vibrant and diverse community that exists here. It’s a chance to see stories and experiences that resonate with many people, including myself, and to showcase the richness of this cultural blend. It feels wonderful to contribute to a project that offers representation and visibility to a community that often doesn’t see itself reflected on screen in this way, especially in a substantial role.
I hope Hindi Vindi conveys a message of connection and understanding. I hope it shows that despite cultural differences, there are universal human experiences that connect us all – family, love, loss, and the search for belonging.
Ultimately, I hope the film resonates with audiences on an emotional level and sparks conversations about cultural identity, community, and the power of shared stories. I also hope it encourages more filmmakers to explore these kinds of cross-cultural narratives and create opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, especially within the Indian-Australian community.
From being an actor, model and reality TV star, your career is very versatile. What would be your personal career highlights?
I have been fortunate to have several career milestones that I can look back on with pride. Hindi Vindi stands out as one of my greatest achievements along with my first feature film as a lead on Prime Video which was special.
In the modelling arena, being the first Indian-Australian showstopper at Melbourne Fashion Week was a significant highlight. Appearing on Channel 7’s Plate of Origin also played a crucial role in propelling my career to where it is today. Although not highlights, but being part of the Australian TV fraternity and being part of shows such as Home & Away, Back to the Rafters, etc also gave me experiences that mould me.
Out of acting, modelling and reality TV, which is your favourite and why?
My heart has always belonged to acting. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been mesmerised with the world of Bollywood – the dance, colours, stories is something I grew up on. Now that I am older, I appreciate the nuances of acting, the preparation, and the discipline involved, and now these are things I deeply cherish and crave.
Would you consider making a return to reality TV?
Yes, absolutely!! My experience with Channel 7’s Plate of Origin was very positive, but it has to be the right opportunity and something that I resonate with.
Who would you love to work with in a film?
If I had the opportunity to choose, I would love to work with Priyanka Chopra and Dev Patel. Priyanka is such a versatile and talented actress, and her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles is truly inspiring. I admire her journey and the way she has made a mark in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Working with her would be an incredible learning experience.
Dev Patel is another actor I greatly admire. His performances are always so nuanced and compelling. He has a unique ability to connect with the audience and bring his characters to life in a very real and relatable way. Collaborating with him would be a fantastic opportunity to explore new dimensions in acting and storytelling.
Who would you like to play yourself in a biopic?
Gosh, that’s a tough question. I would prefer to stay humble and not pick anyone. But, lets’ come back to this question in the future.
The Hindi Vindi premiere is coming up. What can we expect from your outfit? How would you describe your usual style and what do you look for in picking the ultimate red carpet outfit?
I can’t give away all my secrets…haha. But you can absolutely expect glitz, glamour, and something exquisite. My usual style depends on my mood and how I’m feeling. I love to give different looks, but I always have a soft spot for sparkles. The red carpet is about more than just the outfit; a lot goes into the planning. Do I want to have my hair up or down? Do I want smokey eyes or natural makeup? What colours do I want my nails to be? When I’m picking the ultimate red carpet outfit, it’s all about the colour that complements the red carpet. I try multiple outfits and go with whatever feels right.
Hindi Vindi hits cinemas in Australia on Thursday, February 27. Watch the trailer below.
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