We are introduced to a group of sweet and funny characters (who might be slightly bordering on stereotypes), some cheeky old aunts, a couple of cheerful teenagers and Simi, the leader of the center who monologues about her fierce political beliefs in a way that is sincere from the filmmakers' decidedly feminist point of view, but is played with comic levity. Chadha also introduces us to the lives of some not-so-ridiculous women: Hashida is introduced to us through her parents who speak of her as the perfect Indian daughter, about to start medical school and become the family's first doctor. We see her again soon break this view they have of her, as we see her moments after finding a positive pregnancy test result and finding the courage to call her boyfriend. We are also introduced to Ginder, who is holding the divorce papers. She lives in a women's shelter with her young son to get away from her abusive husband. She comforts her son (and herself), telling him "today we will go to the beach" (Bhaji on the Beach). It's an attitude that fills the film with an optimism similar to Omar's irrepressible smile and spirit in Laundrette, times may be tough, but on this one