Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap Present Short Film Bobby Beauty Parlour for Friendship Week
Acclaimed filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap have reunited for a special collaboration to present the coming-of-age short film Bobby Beauty Parlour. Scheduled to coincide with Friendship Week, the short will premiere on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel on August 6 at midnight. Directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, the film captures the emotional realities of adolescent relationships as two childhood friends spend their final afternoon together before taking different paths in life.
What Happened
Bobby Beauty Parlour centers on childhood best friends Eelu and Manu. Set primarily inside a neighbourhood beauty parlour, the film follows the duo during a final shared afternoon. As they face an upcoming separation, they pass the time drinking, napping, arguing, and attempting to hold on to a bond that is about to change forever.
The film marks a creative reunion between presenters Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap, whose personal friendship traces back to their university days in Delhi. Kashyap has been curating content for the Oh Short Flips YouTube platform, with Bobby Beauty Parlour being curated by him and backed by producer Ranjan Singh. The short is produced by Janhavi Asthana, who also co-wrote the project and served as its cinematographer, alongside co-producers Ranjan Singh and Anurag Kashyap. The cast features Adrija Sinha, Parul Rana, Saksham Raj, and Preeti Kochar.
Key Highlights
- Premiere Date: Releases on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel on August 6 at midnight during Friendship Week.
- Filmmaking Team: Directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, with Janhavi Asthana serving as producer, co-writer, and cinematographer.
- Presenters: Presented by university friends and veteran directors Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap.
- Cast Members: Features performances by Adrija Sinha, Parul Rana, Saksham Raj, and Preeti Kochar.
- Festival Journey: Before its digital debut, the short film traveled across multiple film festivals globally.
Why This Matters
The collaboration highlights a shared artistic effort between Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap, grounded in a relationship formed during their college years. Reflecting on the short film, Imtiaz Ali shared that the narrative reminded him of his own small hometown, adolescent choices, and lifelong friendships, noting that quiet, unspectacular moments often become a permanent part of a person’s character.
For director Shashwat Dwivedi, who began his career under Anurag Kashyap, the YouTube release represents a significant personal milestone. Dwivedi noted that having learned much of his craft through YouTube, releasing his own work on the platform under the guidance of two influential filmmakers feels like a meaningful contribution back to the community. Kashyap also praised the growth of Dwivedi and highlighted the multi-faceted contribution of producer, writer, and cinematographer Janhavi Asthana.
What to Watch Next
Audiences can stream Bobby Beauty Parlour on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel starting August 6 at midnight. Producer Ranjan Singh stated that after a successful global festival run, the Friendship Week release offers a heart-warming exploration of life and friendship to online viewers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Bobby Beauty Parlour be released?
The short film will be available to stream on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel on August 6 at midnight.
Who is involved in the making of Bobby Beauty Parlour?
The film is directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, co-written and shot by Janhavi Asthana, and produced by Asthana, Ranjan Singh, and Anurag Kashyap. Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap serve as presenters.
What is the story of the short film?
Bobby Beauty Parlour follows childhood best friends Eelu and Manu as they spend one last afternoon inside a neighbourhood beauty parlour before their lives branch out in different directions.
Source: Information derived from Bollywood Hungama reportage.