Award-winning filmmaker Anita Barar presented her highly anticipated 52-minute documentary, Finding Grandpa, at the Western Sydney University (WSU) South Parramatta campus on Friday, 21 March 2025. The screening was a special occasion, inviting those who worked directly on the film, volunteers, and many of its supporters to witness the powerful story of Baljinder Singh’s 23-year journey to find his grandfather.
The documentary, which has already garnered critical acclaim, tells the gripping true story of Baljinder Singh, an Indian-Australian who embarks on a tenacious quest to locate his grandfather. The elder Singh, who emigrated from India to Australia in 1920, mysteriously disappeared and never returned. Baljinder’s search, spanning over two decades, is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit. His dedication to fulfilling a promise made to his late grandmother as a young boy demonstrates the deep emotional ties that connect families across time and distance.
In addition to the personal journey, Finding Grandpa shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Indian migrants to Australia’s history. The film highlights the role of Indian hawkers and cameleers, whose vital work supported early Australian expeditions such as Burke and Wills and who played an integral part in shaping Australian society. The documentary explores the strength of the bond between India and Australia, showcasing how multicultural communities have enriched both nations.
Synopsis – Finding Grandpa
The film begins with an unassuming and reserved young man, Baljinder Singh, who arrives in Australia in 1986 with nothing but an obscure address, hoping for a swift search-and-find mission to locate his grandfather, Mehnga Singh, who hasn’t been seen by his Indian family for decades. What begins as a seemingly simple quest soon turns into a grueling search that spans over two decades.
As the days turn into months and the months into years, Baljinder’s search becomes a journey of frustration, heartbreak, and perseverance. Despite knocking on countless doors in the vast expanse of Australia, he finds no trace of his grandfather. Baljinder matures into a middle-aged man, with a family of his own, before finally locating his grandfather’s grave in Liverpool, NSW, in 2009. There, he finds Mehnga Singh buried alongside an Australian man, Edward James White, a poignant reminder of the hardships and the forgotten stories that link their lives.
What complicated Baljinder’s search for so long was the fact that his grandfather had changed his name to Charles Singh upon arrival in Australia—a detail unknown to the family back in India. The revelation that Mehnga Singh had passed away in 1959, years before Baljinder even began his search, was the heartbreaking twist to an already difficult journey.
In a heartfelt tribute, Baljinder honored both his grandfather and Mr. Edward White on the gravestone, symbolizing the final closure to a long-standing family mystery.
Production Story: A Name with a Legacy
As the saying goes, “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Yet, in the case of Finding Grandpa, the name is everything. Baljinder’s quest to find his grandfather, Mehnga Singh, who arrived in Australia in 1920, proves that sometimes, it’s the smallest details that can make the difference in unraveling a mystery.
Baljinder’s search started with a simple thought—what should have been a quick mission turned into a 23-year-long journey. Despite facing enormous odds and doubts from his own family, Baljinder persevered, driven by a promise he made to his grandmother when he was just a 12-year-old boy. His resourcefulness and determination led him to uncover the obscure facts about the life of Mehnga Singh, a story full of twists, including his grandfather’s name change and the unusual practice of burying two men in the same grave, which turned out to be the key to solving the mystery.
Director’s Statement by Anita Barar
Filmmaker Anita Barar first encountered Baljinder’s story at a community meeting in Sydney. She was struck by his passion and persistence and immediately recognized the profound impact this journey could have on audiences. “We live in a world where promises are broken every single day. But here was a man who risked everything to fulfill his promise made to his grandma as a young, 12-year-old boy. I knew right there that the story had to be told and I must make this film,” Barar reflects.
Throughout the creative process, Barar faced numerous challenges, from sourcing funding and losing footage to a two-year delay due to her own battle with Stage 3 cancer, and later, her husband’s stroke. Despite these setbacks, she remained committed to telling a story of resilience. “Making this film was a complex journey. But with the support of my team, I pushed through. Every blade of grass has an angel over it saying, ‘Grow, grow,’ and that’s exactly what I did,” Barar says.
Finding Grandpa also reveals the crucial importance of good record-keeping, as it is often the details that either hinder or help in solving family mysteries. The film educates, entertains, and bridges cultural divides by showcasing how an individual’s search for family can uncover deep-seated historical truths.
A Director’s Journey with a Dedicated Team
Barar is grateful to the many talented individuals who helped bring this poignant story to life. “I am thankful to my producer, Cinzia Guaraldi for her belief in me, to my cinematographer, Moe Issa for his invaluable expertise, and to my editor, Samir Dhungel, whose understanding of my vision was unparalleled. I also owe my deepest gratitude to Baljinder Singh for sharing his incredible story, which has touched the hearts of many,” says Barar.
The film is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of multicultural communities in shaping Australian society. It demonstrates how history, family, and perseverance intertwine, offering a deeply emotional and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Finding Grandpa not only fulfills a personal promise but also brings to light the important contributions of Indian immigrants, from the Burke and Wills Expedition to the generosity shown in modern times, such as donations to local hospitals in NSW. Through this film, Barar continues to showcase stories that speak to universal human experiences, making the personal both profound and relatable.
As Barar concludes, “I believe a film has the power to make a difference, and Finding Grandpa will remind us all that the human spirit can triumph over adversity, and that the stories of India’s role in Australia’s history deserve to be remembered and celebrated.”
