A film is currently in production that focuses on the story of the UK’s first female Asian police officer, who was tragically murdered by her husband over five decades ago.
Titled *A Winter’s Lion*, the film tells the story of PC Karpal Kaur Sandhu, who joined the police force in 1971 at the age of 27 after having worked as a nurse previously.
Just two years later, she was fatally stabbed by her husband, who had opposed her career, stating it was neither fitting for an Asian woman nor suitable for her gender. He received a life sentence for her crime.
Director Dhruv Bhatnagar shared with BBC Radio London’s Shay Kaur Grewal: “Growing up, I didn’t have many British-Indian role models, so I can empathize with the challenges Sandhu encountered.”
Born into a Sikh family in Zanzibar, East Africa, in 1943, Sandhu immigrated to the UK in 1962 and secured a nursing position at Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield.
After joining the Metropolitan Police, she was stationed at Hornsey and what was formerly Leyton police station.
In 2011, Det Sgt Gurpal Virdi of the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association remarked, “When I began looking into Karpal’s life, I was shocked by her accomplishments. She wasn’t just the first Asian female police officer in London; she was a pioneer on a global scale, as the first woman officer in India, Kiran Bedi, was appointed only in 1972.”
Dr. Parvinder Shergill, who is producing the film and will portray Sandhu, expressed a personal connection, stating she felt “destined to play her” since she is also a doctor. She acknowledged the “immense responsibility” of depicting a groundbreaking figure.
Shergill has collaborated with Sandhu’s family throughout the production process, gathering their memories to enrich the film. “She was a mother, wife, and community-oriented person; she had a nurturing spirit,” she commented. “She genuinely cared about her community and aspired to make a positive impact in the world.”
Filming is currently taking place in the Hornsey and Leyton areas, with production scheduled to conclude on Sunday, February 1, coinciding with the anniversary of PC Sandhu’s joining the Met.
One of the film’s consultants is the Metropolitan Police, an organization that has been scrutinized for allegations of systemic racism. Shergill noted, “We don’t want to simply assign blame to the police; our aim is to collaborate—particularly with the Sikh association, who have been incredibly supportive.”
Joining the cast is actress Amanda Abbington, well-known for her role in BBC’s *Sherlock*, whom Shergill likened to “butter on bread” in terms of her value to the production. Also featured is BAFTA Cymru winner Mark Lewis-Jones.
Like many crew members, Shergill has only recently become acquainted with PC Sandhu’s remarkable story. Although this is an independent film, they aspire for Sandhu’s narrative to reach a global audience.
The team anticipates a release next year, hoping the film will serve as a tribute to PC Sandhu for her pioneering spirit and extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the present-day women serving in law enforcement.
