Another Mandela movie in the offing
THE Durban home of former political activist and Sunday Times journalist Genga Ramsamy “GR” Naidoo became the set of a new feature film, Mandela’s Gun, this week.
Naidoo, a former editor of Drum magazine, and his family will feature in the film, which describes the eight months leading up to the arrest of Nelson Mandela in 1962.
Making their acting debut in the movie are Zeenat Mosley, who plays Naidoo’s wife, Nagamma; Keya Darson, who plays eldest daughter Jaya; Dhiya Dharampal, who plays daughter Rathna; and Maheer Mothie Ma-
It is about people who shared a similar philosophy
habir, who plays Naidoo’s three-year-old son, Krishna.
Sanjana Maharaj, 7, plays another daughter, Chandra.
The role of Naidoo has not been confirmed.
Mosley, 36, a marketing manager, said she was excited and looked forward to being on the set.
“I think I have a lot of similarities to the character I play. She is a homely, cultural woman who is familyoriented, and I am the same way,” she said.
Maheer’s mother, Sarah, said her two-year-old son had mastered his line and was eager to get started.
“Every time I show him a picture of Mandela, he shouts ‘Madiba’ — that’s what he has to say in his scene. He enjoys dancing and is comfortable around cameras,” she said.
Dhiya, 10, and Keya, 13, were also getting ready for their roles and keen to be given the opportunity to be part of a film about their hero, Mandela.
The Wild actor Tumisho Masha will become the first local actor to play the role of Mandela in a film.
Mandela’s Gun will be directed by John Irvin.
Producer Claire Evans said the film was expected to be released late next year.
Naidoo’s daughter Chandra said her family were glad their father was being acknowledged for the role he played in the freedom struggle. “This is history being told — it is about the lives of people who shared a similar philosophy. We are very happy this story is being told,” she said.