After nearly a decade away from cinema, British-born Bollywood actress Geeta Basra makes her return with Mehar – a powerful Punjabi drama and a quiet statement on self-worth and the beauty of timing. First rising to fame with her debut in Dil Diya Hai (2006), Basra quickly became recognised for her screen presence and versatility. Today, married to cricketer Harbhajan Singh and mother to Hinaya Heer and Jovan Veer, her comeback carries an added resonance: it is not only about stepping back into the spotlight, but about doing so on her own terms.
There is something luminous about a return shaped by choice. For Basra, Mehar is more than just a film – it is a reclamation of agency, and of all the versions of self that often go quiet in the years we prioritise family over career. Directed by Rakesh Mehta, the film tells the story of Karamjit, a man navigating shame and redemption. Yet it is Basra’s presence that subtly reframes the narrative. Her return is both personal and symbolic: an offering of everything that has changed, and everything she has chosen to carry forward.
On crossing borders, and finding yourself
Basra’s story is one of multiple crossings – cultural, professional, emotional. Two decades ago, she left the UK to chase a dream in India, knowing neither the language nor the landscape of the film industry. That migration wasn’t just geographical, it was spiritual. “From a young girl at the age of 18, leaving your family behind and trying to fly your wings – it definitely requires a lot of courage,” she reflects. “It’s shaped the person I am today. It’s taught me confidence, self-worth, and patience. And sometimes, taking big risks in life is very important.” Behind the glamour of her early successes was a reality she names with rare honesty. The unspoken rules of the industry, especially for women, were harsh. One’s desirability as a lead actress was often tied to silence around personal life. Marital status was a liability, and vulnerability was seen as weakness. “Those early days were very different, especially for girls. If you were linked to someone or married, a lot of doors closed. That perception cost many of us opportunities.”
Learning through the roles you take
“You take projects because you feel like, what if you never get another?” she says. “When you don’t have someone guiding you, you just want to get started, to carve your way in. I took very different roles early on, even a negative lead, which most wouldn’t risk. But I’m grateful. Those intense roles taught me a lot. You learn your craft through them.” Basra knows that some decisions, even the messy ones, are what give an artist their edge.
Some projects arrive right on time
Though Mehar is widely seen as her comeback film, it wasn’t the first project Geeta took on after her break. That was Avasthi vs Avasthi, a gentle, meaningful Hindi film that remains unreleased. “It’s a sweet movie, but the timing just didn’t align. Mehar has ended up being my official return, and honestly, I couldn’t have chosen a better film. It’s a complete package, and I play a really beautiful role.”
On trust and collaboration
Basra is generous in her praise for Mehar’s director, Rakesh Mehta, calling him a visionary with a rare sensitivity for emotional detail. “He knows exactly what he wants from a scene. That makes it easier for an actor to trust, to express, to let go. We always knew the captain of the ship had it under control.”
“He’s a director of substance – and I think he’s set a new benchmark for Punjabi cinema with Mehar.”
Having a support system
Behind the scenes, Basra admits she’s her own harshest critic.
“I’m always analyzing. I’ll catch the small things, the bits that could be better. Harbhajan, on the other hand, is very loving – he appreciates whatever I do. But sometimes, you do want to hear a bit more critique!” That dynamic goes both ways. She recalls one moment in particular: Harbhajan Singh’s commentary debut with Sky Sports. “That was a huge deal for him. English isn’t his first language and he wasn’t always confident speaking it. But he was remarkably poised. I gave my inputs where I could, and he took it really well. That’s the kind of relationship we have, we uplift each other.”
A shared rhythm between public and private life
While Geeta and Harbhajan belong to different public spheres, their relationship is rooted in mutual understanding. “He’s Harbhajan Singh to the world. But to me, he’s just my husband. We don’t carry our public image into our private lives. We’re just two simple people living a very full, very real life.”
“When I’m shooting, he’s with the kids. When he’s working, I’m with them. We’re lucky our careers allow that kind of flexibility, and that we’ve always got each other’s back.”
Motherhood
Motherhood, for Basra, has been the most profound transformation.
“It’s the most fulfilling and beautiful role I’ve ever played,” she says. “It teaches you patience, empathy, and the true meaning of unconditional love. You’re never not in that role – it’s 24/7, 365 days a year.”
Her portrayal of a mother in Mehar came from real emotion, not just performance. “You don’t have to
imagine those feelings, you’ve lived them. And that brings something real to the screen.”
Creating with intention
As for what’s next, Basra is thoughtful and intentional. “We’re living in the best possible time for actors. Content is leading cinema. We get to explore roles that are different, surprising, and meaningful.” “The beauty of acting is that you don’t always know what’s inside you until someone pulls it out. That’s what I’m excited about- new directors, new stories, new parts of myself.”
“I’m not after quantity. I’m after quality. I want to work with good people on meaningful projects, the kind that people actually enjoy watching.”
Trust in timing
“Life is all about balance. It’s never just one straight road,” she says. “Whatever career you choose, married or not, you have to find ways to balance personal life and work.” For Geeta and Harbhajan, that balance is mutual.
“We’ve found our rhythm. I try not to fix my mind on how things should be. I go with the flow. Because the exciting part of life is… you never know what’s around the corner.”
To the women watching, a quiet reminder
“Anything is possible,” she says. “There’s nothing in this world women can’t do. We all carry so much Shakti in us – strength we don’t even realise we have. When the opportunity comes, grab it with both hands. Just make sure you have a good support system for the tough days. That’s the key.”
And most of all? “Believe in yourself. If you truly believe you can do it, then nothing. absolutely nothing, can stop you.”
Watch Mehar in cinemas across the UK from 5th September 2025 — showing in London at Cineworld Feltham, Ilford, Ruislip, Luton, Hounslow, Wood Green, and Piccadilly Leicester.
