Dingalings are a laugh a minute
designated “mother” of the group.
“We wouldn’t have the success we have had without Kumseela,” says Satchu Annamalai, another core member. “She keeps us in check.”
Right on cue, Kumseela reels the guys in and gets them to sit down to answer questions. If Henry is the joker, the clown, what about the rest of you I ask?
“Koobeshan is the father figure of the group,” says Satchu. “Yes, I am the stern one,” says Koobeshan. Everyone immediately protests and says he’s the one who sprouts the most nonsense. “Be serious!” warns Kumseela, and once again the men attempt to behave themselves.
“Ravi Soobramoney is the muso of the group,” says Ramkissoon, and Soobramoney nods in agreement.
“Yes,” he says, “I am the boring one. I am responsible for the music and the instruments and I am kind of the straight man.”
Satchu laughs at this and says, “Actually, he’s one who gets in trouble with the law.”
Koobeshan says Soobramoney used be involved in protest theatre, and had the jail time to prove it. “It was two hours!” says Ravi in indignation. “But no, music is my element and I enjoy that aspect, it’s a lot of fun.”
Melvyn Davids is the newest and youngest Dingaling.
“Melvyn’s the dumb one,” jokes Henry. Koobeshan joins in: “No, really, he went to special class.”
They erupt in laughter as Davids says: “See what I have to put up with?”
Kumseela, to whom the men have added the title “disciplinarian”, gives them a look and
One For the Road Koobeshan takes charge.
“Melvyn is young and he brings an interesting, reflective aspect to the show. We’re older and a lot of the show plays to nostalgia, referring to how things used to be, the good old days our fathers tell us about.”
Satchu explains: “Our audiences have evolved, we used to play to mostly middleaged crowds but recently our audiences have become younger. And I think they see themselves in Melvyn.”
Kumseela tells me that the shows are reflective of their own lives. People often ask her if the show is scripted or just improvised.
“So when we talk about something from back in the day,” says Koobeshan, “Melvyn, as a character, sometimes doesn’t get it, and we explain it to him, and I think that makes a younger audience relate to the stories told to them
by their own parents.” AFTER four years, music maestro Adnan Sami is returning to South Africa for a concert on March 25 at 7.30pm at the Durban ICC, and at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on March 26, at 6pm.
Labelled as being one of
The other member who was not at the rehearsal is director Yugan Naidoo.
“He’s really the straight one,” laughs Henry.
“It’s funny because he’s directing and writing comedy, but he’s so serious. But I think that’s why it works so well.”
“Yes,” says Koobeshan, “he sees things in a way we don’t, so we have learnt not to argue with him. Plus he has business acumen. His sense of leadership is second to none,” says Satchu.
Over the years, The Dingalings have begun to incorporate children’s theatre, performing fairy tales from Cinderella to The Wind in the Willows.
Having performed across the county to soldout audiences for 11 years, I wonder if their audience is exclusively Indian.
“It is,” says Ravi, “but it’s also changing slowly.”
“I had a white guy in Port Shepstone come up to me, the fastest keyboard players in the world, the internationally renowned singer, musician, music composer and actor will return to the stage courtesy of Glow TV, Showtime Promotions and Blu Blood.
Audiences are in for a treat as he performs a collection of his Bollywood blockbusters including recognising me from the show,” says Koobeshan, “and he really enjoyed it.”
“I think there’s a stereotype, a perception that people have, but once they see the show, all that goes away,” says Kumseela.
“Our work reflects our lives and we are South African just as much as we are Indian.
“We are not trying to preach to teach lessons,” says Ramkissoon in a serious tone.
“There’s a fine line between mocking cultures and finding the humour. We don’t make fun of the Indian accents, but we do make fun of ourselves,” he says.
Check out our Facebook page, POST Newspaper, for a special message from the Dingalings to POST readers.
One For the Road starts on March 17 at Sibiya.The show is rated 16. Tickets R140 from Computicket and the Sibaya Box Office. Kabhi To Nazar Milao,
his super hit and No 1 song of 2015 in SA. Bhardo Jholi Meri and Lift Karaa De. Having been born and grown up in the UK, he has successfully
merged Asian and Western music styles and instruments. While he does have a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Political Science and an LLB,
his passion for music was his inevitable calling.
Bookings at Computicket or Sunrise Fruiterers
on 031 2072689 & Maharaj’s Prayer Goods (Gem City) 031 5004709.