‘It was a buddy movie – and then they kissed’: Stephen Frears and Hanif Kureishi on My Beautiful Laundrette at 40
The GuardianFriday, July 25, 2025 at 7:00:51 AM
Over tea and cake in a sunny garden, director Stephen Frears and writer Hanif Kureishi reminisce about My Beautiful Laundrette, their groundbreaking 1985 film that blended queer romance, immigrant narratives, and British social politics into a cultural landmark. The piece captures their candid reflections—40 years later—on how the film reshaped cinema and their lives, while also touching on Kureishi’s recent health struggles with warmth and resilience.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a reminder of how art can explode boundaries. Laundrette wasn’t just a "buddy movie"; it smuggled queer and South Asian stories into mainstream cinema when few others dared. The conversation also quietly underscores Kureishi’s enduring creativity despite physical challenges, making it a tribute to both legacy and perseverance.
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