BAFTA Welcomes Before Nikkah

Before Nikkah, the feature debut of director Haider Zafar, was recently honoured with a special screening at BAFTA on the 8th April, marking a significant milestone for the film and its creators.

Drawing inspiration from the intimate, dialogue-driven style of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, the romantic comedy explores themes of love, identity, and tradition through a distinctly British South Asian lens. Its fresh perspective and heartfelt storytelling resonated with audiences, earning it a coveted invitation to screen in front of BAFTA members.

Following the screening, a lively and insightful Q&A session was hosted by renowned comedian and writer Shazia Mirza, who guided the conversation through the film’s cultural relevance, creative process, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. The event was attended by the film’s lead cast, including Sasha Vadher, Aakash Shukal, and Aziz Kemal, who shared personal anecdotes about their roles and the collaborative spirit behind the project.

The evening was not only a celebration of Before Nikkah's success but also a testament to the growing visibility of diverse narratives within British cinema.