Harbhajan Mann’s daughter Sahar Mann makes directorial debut with Khemo at International South Asian Film Festival

For Punjabi cinema and music icon Harbhajan Mann, the month of September has brought a special reason to celebrate. His daughter Sahar Mann has stepped into filmmaking with her Punjabi short film Khemo, which recently premiered at the International South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF) in Surrey, British Columbia. The film marks an important beginning for Sahar as a writer and director, while also bringing a deeply personal Punjabi story to an international audience.

Sahar Mann’s Khemo Premieres at ISAFF

Written and directed by Sahar Mann, Khemo premiered on September 26, 2026, at Landmark Cinemas Surrey Guildford during the International South Asian Film Festival. The short film takes viewers into the quiet and emotional world of rural Punjab, focusing on a Punjabi widow living in an increasingly empty village.

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Set in Khemuana, the story explores the impact of migration on families. Her sons have moved to Canada, leaving her behind in the village. Rather than relying on dramatic moments, Khemo captures everyday routines, waiting and the silence that often follows when loved ones leave their homeland in search of a different future.

Story Close to Sahar’s Heart

For Sahar, Khemo is more than just a film. It is a deeply personal project connected to her roots and the people of Khemuana. Sharing her emotions about the film, she described the project as something she could not fully put into words.

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From creating the storyboards to filming on the first set in her own pind, Khemuana, Sahar worked closely with her team to bring her vision to life. She also expressed gratitude towards the families of the village who opened their homes and supported the production, even during the cold winter nights.

She credited Mukul H. Punnia for helping her transform her vision into an art piece and thanked her family, film crew and the people of Khemuana for making the project possible.

Harbhajan Mann’s Proud Father Moment

Harbhajan Mann has openly expressed his pride and excitement over his daughter’s achievement. The singer-actor celebrated the selection of Khemo at ISAFF on social media, making the occasion even more special for the Mann family.

Interestingly, Khemuana holds another important connection for Harbhajan Mann this month. The same ancestral village recently became the setting for the trailer launch of his upcoming Punjabi film Eh Din Roz Ni Aune.

Avkash Mann Begins His Acting Journey

Harbhajan Mann’s son Avkash Mann is also taking an important step in his career with Eh Din Roz Ni Aune. The upcoming Punjabi film marks Avkash Mann’s acting debut, and it brings him together with his father on the big screen for the first time.

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The film features Harbhajan Mann, Avkash Mann, Nirmal Rishi, Sarbjit Cheema, Heer Achhra and Aruna Beniwal. Directed and written by Aneet Sekhon, the film revolves around family, relationships, values and the importance of appreciating precious moments with loved ones. The film’s trailer was launched on September 24 in Khemuana amid celebrations with the local community. Its title track features Harbhajan Mann and his brother Gursewak Mann, with lyrics by Babu Singh Maan and music by Desi Crew.

The Mann family’s current cinematic journey carries a unique connection to their roots. Sahar’s Khemo explores the emotional impact of migration and the people who remain behind, while Eh Din Roz Ni Aune focuses on family bonds and the value of spending time with loved ones.

- PTC PUNJABI