Pardesi

Production Company
Vancouver Film School
Producer(s)
Miki Zhu
Director(s)
Mannat Dhillon
Casting Director(s): 
Mannat Dhillon
Union Status
Non-Union
Project Type
Film
Student Production
Yes
Compensation Details

No Compensation

Audition Location
Online Self Tape
Shoot / Performance Date(s)
May 28-30th 2025
Shoot / Performance Location(s)
Vancouver BC
Submission Deadline
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Submission Instructions

Please email your headshot and demo reel (if applicable) to pardesi2025@outlook.com. In your message, be sure to mention which character you'd like to audition for. Once we receive your submission, we'll send you a short script to perform. Record your self-tape and send it back to us.

Project Synopsis
After moving to Canada, Kirpa aspires to become a dancer, but the clash between her cultural background and her family’s expectations forces her to put her dreams on pause. Struggling to find work in her chosen field, she eventually takes a job as a truck driver, a stable and respectable option in her family's eyes. Now caught between her passion for dance and the need to support herself, Kirpa must come to terms with the sacrifices she’s made in the pursuit of approval and financial security." Message of the story: This narrative highlights the difficult reality many immigrants face, having to set aside their dreams to provide for their families and secure a stable life.
Additional Information & Safety Protocols: 

( Kirpa - Soni - Aunt Preet - Aunt Niru - Uncle Raja ) all must be fluent in SPEAKING Punjabi.

Character 1
Kirpa
Age
18-25
Gender
Female
Description
Kirpa, a 20-year-old woman from Moga, India, is the product of a humble family determined to offer her the opportunities they never had. Kirpa has always dreamed of becoming a Kathak dancer. Despite her passion, she finds herself caught between her aspirations and the expectations placed upon her. Naturally introverted, Kirpa reflects a common trait among many young women in India she is accustomed to keeping her voice down and prioritizing the needs of others. Though she yearns for something different, her quiet nature often holds her back from asserting her true desires. Must Speak Punjabi
Character 2
Soni
Age
40-60
Gender
Female
Description
Soni, a 45-year-old mother from Moga, India, is fiercely dedicated to her daughter Kirpa’s future. Having faced the limitations of her own life, she’s determined to give Kirpa the opportunities she never had. Though Soni’s love for her daughter is unwavering, her approach is often tough. She believes that pushing Kirpa to succeed and adapt to the world around her is the key to a better life, even if it means being hard on her at times. Soni’s strict nature comes from a place of deep care, as she is driven by the desire to see Kirpa break free from the constraints of their modest beginnings. Must Speak Punjabi
Character 3
Aunt Preeti
Age
40-60
Gender
Female
Description
Aunt Preeti, in her late 50s, is a woman of sharp opinions and even sharper words. While she claims to have Kirpa’s best interests at heart, her disapproval of Kirpa’s dream to become a Kathak dancer is clear. Preferring more traditional and “practical” paths for young women, Aunt Preeti is often judgmental, subtly throwing cold insults disguised as “concerns.” She believes Kirpa’s ambitions are foolish and that pursuing dance is a waste of time. Though she’s never openly cruel, her passive-aggressive remarks and constant undermining of Kirpa’s dreams create a tense, unwelcoming atmosphere whenever she’s around. Must Speak Punjabi
Character 4
Aunt Niru
Age
40-60
Gender
Female
Description
Aunt Niru, in her early 50s, is a caring and thoughtful woman, but her love for tradition often clashes with her desire to support her niece. While she’s worried about Kirpa’s choice to pursue Kathak dancing—an art form so foreign to her, Aunt Niru is determined to be a source of encouragement, even if it’s difficult for her to fully understand. She may not fully grasp the passion behind Kirpa’s dream, but her deep sense of family loyalty compels her to offer her support, even if it comes with hesitation. Though she occasionally voices her concerns, Aunt Niru's desire to see Kirpa happy and successful outweighs her doubts, and she tries to be there for her in her own quiet way. Must Speak Punjabi
Character 5
Uncle Raja
Age
40-60
Gender
Male
Description
Uncle Raja, in his mid-50s, is a hardworking truck driver with a heart of gold. Though his life has been shaped by the long, tough hours on the road, he’s never let the grind dull his kindness. When Kirpa takes on a truck driving job, Uncle Raja becomes a mentor to her, offering guidance and support with a steady hand and a warm heart. He understands the struggles of stepping into a traditionally male dominated world and offers both practical advice and emotional encouragement. His caring nature and wisdom give Kirpa the confidence to push through challenges, and he’s always ready with a joke or a piece of advice to lighten the mood. Despite his tough exterior, Uncle Raja’s gentle spirit makes him a vital source of strength in Kirpa’s journey. Must Speak Punjabi
Additional Characters

Nora - 18-25 - Female
Nora, a young and naive barista in her early 20s, is the embodiment of optimism and innocence. With her easygoing nature and a smile that never fades, she’s blissfully unaware of the struggles and hardships Kirpa faces.

Chris - 18-25 - Male
Chris, in his late 20s, appears outwardly friendly and well-meaning, but his subtle biases seep through in the form of microaggressions. While he never overtly expresses his discriminatory views, his remarks and actions towards Kirpa are laced with thinly veiled prejudice that often go unnoticed by those around him. His comments, though seemingly innocuous, make Kirpa feel alienated.