Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap back emotional short film

Filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap have joined hands to present a new emotional short film titled Bobby Beauty Parlour, which is set to premiere on YouTube on August 6, 2026. Directed by Shashwat Dwivedi, the project explores themes of friendship, growing up and the bittersweet emotions of parting ways.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Bobby Beauty Parlour revolves around two childhood friends, Eelu and Manu, who spend one final afternoon together before life takes them in different directions.
The official synopsis describes the story as:
“Childhood friends Eelu and Manu. On their final afternoon together, the pair finds themselves trapped inside a neighbourhood beauty parlour—drinking, napping, bickering, and desperately holding on to a time that is fast slipping away.”
The film captures an ordinary afternoon that gradually turns into a heartfelt reflection on friendship, memories and the inevitability of change.
Speaking about the project, Imtiaz Ali said the film reminded him of his own childhood and the relationships that shaped his life.
He said:
“The most spectacular moments of life don’t scream, but remain a part of our character forever. It is such moments that make ‘Bobby Beauty Parlour’ charming. The film got me remembering my own small hometown, my adolescent decisions and friends that I always carried with me.”
Ali’s comments highlight the emotional tone of the short film, which focuses on quiet moments rather than dramatic events.
Anurag Kashyap also spoke about the project, explaining that the story is rooted in universal emotions.
According to the filmmaker, Bobby Beauty Parlour centres on friendship, aspirations and growing up, themes that resonate across generations.
Director Shashwat Dwivedi described making the short film as a memorable experience and expressed particular excitement about releasing it on YouTube, a platform that played a significant role in his own creative journey.
He said:
“It’s also tough to believe that two of my favourite filmmakers are presenting the film, both of whom have had a great impact on my life. I really hope it reaches a wide audience and people start missing their friends after watching it.”
Dwivedi added that working on the film had been “an amazing experience,” noting that he had learned so much throughout his career through YouTube, making the platform a fitting home for the project.
The cast of Bobby Beauty Parlour features Adrija Sinha, Parul Rana, Saksham Raj, and Preeti Kochar, who bring the story of Eelu and Manu to life.
Rather than opting for a theatrical or streaming platform release, the filmmakers have chosen to premiere the short film on the Oh Short Flips YouTube channel, making it freely accessible to audiences around the world.
Bobby Beauty Parlour will officially debut on August 6, 2026. With acclaimed filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap presenting the project and an emotionally driven story at its core, the short film is expected to resonate with viewers who cherish stories about friendship, nostalgia and the memories that remain long after people go their separate ways.