Doing it behind the scene
Kajal makes the change to film and production
ACTRESS, model, dancer and presenter Kajal Bagwandeen made a very daring move last year when she left the world of television to pursue her other passions. The Durban-born beauty, who is known for starring in Isidingo, 7de Laan and presenting lifestyle show Mela on SABC has made the change to film and production.
Bagwandeen opened her own casting agency and production company almost a year ago and has already been involved in a local movie, set to be released next year, and is working on another.
“The change was really organic actually. I didn’t get up one day and decide to quit television and start movies.
“I have always wanted to star in movies and I loved television but at some point I started feeling as if something was lacking. While I was doing TV work I was also neglecting my theatre work so I just felt that it was time to leave and grow somewhere else.” That’s when Imagine Worx was born. “I had been thinking about starting my own company for about three years. I just had so many doubts about it that I kept putting it off. “It wasn’t until I met a fantastic mentor of mine, Christa Schamberger, that I realised what I should be doing”, she said. The star often referred actors to Schamberger, who is a respected casting director – and Bagwandeen’s referrals always got the part. “All of a sudden it made sense, I kept referring people who kept getting the part so I realised that I was pretty good at this. “That’s when I decided to focus on it and I still get to be involved in filmmaking,” said Bagwandeen. It was when she met writer and producer, Bianca Isaac that things really took off for Imagine Worx. “Bianca and I have known each other for years, so when she spoke to me about a movie she was producing, 3 Days to Go, I was very excited to work with her as the casting director. “However, she wanted me to work with her as co-producer and star in the movie,” she said.
Although she admits it was a lot of work, she managed all three jobs and the movie is set to be released in local cinemas in March next year.
“The movie is about a group of siblings who live in separate parts of the world but have to go home for their parents’ wedding anniversary. Tragedy strikes when their father dies and things spin out of control.
“I play Amy, the youngest of the family who married an older man and lives in Paris, but her life isn’t as it seems though,” the actress said.
The movie also stars Jacaranda FM’S Tumi Morake, Zakeeya Patel (The Wild), Jonathan Boyntonlee, and Bollywood actress Lilette Dubey.
Along with her associates, Bagwandeen is currently looking for two child stars to star in her latest production.
“Kings of Mulberry is written by award-winning writer Judy Naidoo and tells the story of two young boys who try to take down a drug lord.
“Ticky and Baboo are friends, they are 9 and 10 years old and they are the lead characters.”
However, Bagwandeen isn’t going to go to an agency to look for two young boys, she is hosting a open audition.
“There are so many people with so much potential, young and old, and we really want to give them the opportunity. “That’s what I am about. “I love seeing other people succeed, which is why this is so exciting for me.
“I firmly believe that if you stay in front of the camera forever, you aren’t contributing to the growth of the industry and I want to see it grow”, she said.
The auditions take place on September 30 and October 1, for more information, visit Imagine Worx on Facebook.