Hark1karan: Zimmers of Southall
“We wanted to show what normal lads, especially Asian lads, get up to; to take away from certain stereotypes and give nuance to their lives”
In a harmonious fusion of vintage BMWs and the rhythmic beats of dub music, the documentary "Zimmers of Southall" embarks on an enlightening journey through the tapestry of London's multiculturalism. This captivating project is the brainchild of renowned community photographer, Hark1karan, with the creative prowess of Alex Donaldson from Alleycat Films as its producer.
"Zimmers of Southall" unveils a vibrant and heartfelt portrait of Southall's Punjabi community, offering a unique perspective through the cherished treasures of its car collectors. As the camera captures the sleek curves of meticulously preserved classic BMWs, it simultaneously delves into the dynamic narrative of migration, intergenerational heritage, and the profound influence of British music culture on this community. The project is a symphony of cultural heritage, echoing the stories of those who have traversed borders and generations to find a new home in Southall.
During the latter part of the 20th century, a wave of Sikh, Punjabi men and women embarked on a journey to the UK, hailing from industrial cities in northern India and eastern Africa. Along with their dreams and hopes, they carried a shared passion for cars and all things mechanical. This love for automobiles would soon find its place in the heart of their new homeland.
Meanwhile, across the vibrant streets of London and the Midlands, the sounds of dub reggae from the Caribbean served as the backdrop to an era of multiculturalism in the '70s and '80s. The riddims and echoing beats of dub music became the unofficial soundtrack of this diverse cultural livelihood.
Fast forward to today, and the thumping bass music from BMW sound systems still reverberates through the local life of these communities.
“I didn’t realise how much everyone loved dub music. That became evident across the interviews,” says Hark1karan. “Every single person we spoke to said they played dub in their car.”
Several months after the release of Zimmers 1, Hark1karan came to a realisation – the story was far from finished.
In the first Zimmers, the male characters centered their narratives around a shared passion for engineering and the exhilaration of the open road. However, Zimmers 2 shifts the spotlight to a fresh perspective, shedding light on themes of independence and safety that hold special significance for female drivers. For these women, their cars represent a distinct and equally crucial form of sanctuary and empowerment.
Jasmine, from Hayes for Zimmers of Southall 2
“When you’re out in Southall, you notice aunties driving BMWs, young women driving them,”
Manvz, from Heston for Zimmers of Southall 2
In Zimmers 2, Manvz is joined by four fellow BMW owners, all sharing deep roots in the Southall area and its surrounding neighbourhoods, including Heston, Hayes, and Hounslow, nestled beneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport. Each of them has a unique and personal connection to their BMWs.
Kiran, from Hayes for Zimmers of Southall 2
Manveer 'Manvz' Matharu inherited her passion for BMWs from her mother, forging a familial link to these iconic cars. Jasmine Virdy finds joy in using the Air Ride suspension system while dropping her kids off at school. Ji Kaur experiences a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie while cruising in her striking burgundy E30. Kiran Bains Grewal, who acquired her convertible in 2019, went a step further by customising it with her beloved turquoise shade, making it a true reflection of her personality.
“As a woman I think it gave me a certain level of independence and freedom from my family, I didn’t have to rely on anybody.”
Watch Zimmers of Southall 1 & 2 below.
Courtesy of Hark1karan
