Gurkha - The Untold Truth

Work in Progress | Directed by Darshan Gajjar (feature documentary)

The Story

Nayungma always knew her father was a Gurkha, which brought her from Nepal to the UK at the age of six. But understanding what that truly meant was a different journey altogether.

As she embarks on a deeply personal quest of self-discovery, Nayungma uncovers the truth behind the Gurkhas—a community celebrated as elite, disciplined, and fearless soldiers who vow their lives to the Queen (now King). But beyond the myths of heroism, she learns they are human—scared, struggling, and burdened by systemic injustices.

For over 200 years, Gurkhas have fought for Britain, but many now live in poverty, battling racism, pension inequalities, and separation from their families. The very nation they served has overlooked their sacrifices, and their voices remain unheard.

A young woman with dark hair looking down with a thoughtful expression, indoor setting with warm lighting and dark background.
A group of men, including some with medals and badges, standing outdoors in front of a government building. One man is speaking into microphones held by reporters.
A man speaking into a microphone during a protest or rally, surrounded by people including a man in a military uniform and another in a high visibility vest, with a building in the background.
A woman with dark hair, nose piercing, and earrings sits in front of a film camera, looking thoughtfully to the side.
A person with short dark hair and earrings stands outdoors in a dark, cloudy landscape with rolling green hills in the background.
Laptop screen displaying a news article with a photo of two men sitting on a sofa, an advertisement about helping Ukraine, and various tabs at the top. The setting is on a wooden desk with some books, a lamp, and a power strip in the background.
Person standing in front of a green hilly landscape at dusk or dawn
A white sign with red text that reads 'LEVEL UP GURKHA PENSIONS' on a city street.
Close-up of a hand holding a smartphone in a dimly lit environment.
Statue of a man wearing a hat and a backpack, seen from behind, in front of historic buildings with a streetlamp, overcast sky.
Close-up side profile of a person with dark hair, a septum piercing, and visible acne scars, looking intently at a computer screen.
Close-up of a person's hands typing on a white laptop keyboard.
An elderly man sitting outdoors in a garden, gesturing with his hands while talking. There are pink flowers and green bushes beside him, and a brick house with white-framed windows in the background.
Close-up of two people holding hands, with one person's arm wearing a red woven bracelet.
A man with a dog talking to an older man with medals on his blazer on a city sidewalk.

Fundraiser

The Gurkha – The Untold Truth documentary is a passion-driven project aiming to shed light on the overlooked stories of Gurkha veterans. Despite their over 200 years of service to Britain, many Gurkhas face systemic injustices, including pension disparities and neglect. This film seeks to amplify their voices and preserve their histories before they're lost.

To complete this project, a fundraising campaign has been launched to cover essential expenses such as travel, accommodation, filming costs, post-production, and archival footage. The goal is to raise £13,200, with approximately £2,442 already secured. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings the team closer to delivering this important story to the world. Supporters can donate and learn more at the GoFundMe page.

You can view our fundraiser video on the right too!