Asia Dynamic - Henna on My Hands

In this Asia Dynamic special, reporter Bharat Jamnadas follows Auckland-born Indian woman Nalini Chhima. An accomplished dancer, Nalini travels to Navsari, India for a traditional marriage. Like her parents, Chhima argues an arranged marriage has a better chance of surviving than a love marriage. This documentary tracks Chhima’s emotional journey, her desire to please her parents and be true to her culture, and some unexpected developments in India. Annie Murray writes more aboout Asia Dynamic/Asia Downunder in the backgrounder.

I said ‘right, he’s got some respect, but I must get to know him to make sure’. I questioned him, I really questioned him about everything, and I even asked him ‘why do you want to marry my daughter?’  

– Damayanti Chhima on searching for a husband for her daughter Nalini

Key Cast & Crew

Robin Kingsley-Smith

Producer

Ajay Vasisht

Narrator

Peter Roberts

Editor

Bharat Jamnadas

Reporter, Research

Peter Barrett

Director

Melissa Lee

Presenter