The steady guides who lit the path for others
MY REMARKABLE WOMEN | In honour of Women's Month SANTHAM PILLAY and DOREEN PREMDEV asked newsmakers to talk about the females who have had the most influence on them
TELEVISION actress and comedian Leeanda Reddy told DOREEN PREMDEV about the 10 women who make her proud to be a woman.
My mother Neela Reddy — the one inspiration I have been fortunate to have experienced for my whole life. She is an incredible example of fortitude, humility and courage. Despite the hardships and personal sacrifices of her life, she has shown me strength of character and integrity. She is a true role model.
British-Indian comedian, writer, playwright, producer and actress Meera Syal. She is probably best known for her role as the granny in The Kumars at No 42, but I was smitten with her long before that. She is a woman after my own heart in terms of comedy, characters and writing. She was a groundbreaking artist with her contribution to performance in the UK. She has been an inspiration to me in my craft, my love for comedy and in telling our own stories. My favourite productions of hers were the comedy sketch show Goodness, Gracious Me! and the book and drama series Life isn’t all Haha Heehee.
Graça Machel. There is something extraordinary and yet disarmingly simple about this woman. She exudes grace, warmth, integrity and restraint. Added to that, our Madiba chose her to be his soul mate till the end of his days. That says a lot about her.
Stalwart political activist Amina Cachalia. She is one of a few strong Indian women I respect and am grateful for because of their fight against apartheid and the injustices that crippled our nation. I think we must always remember the contribution of the brave South African Indians to achieving democracy, specifically Cachalia, who made sacrifices and defied the racist regime of the time so that we could enjoy the freedom and equality we have today. I salute her as a woman of valour and courage.
Indian film director Mira Nair. She produces/directs Indian art noveau and Hollywood films. I first took an interest in her after watching Monsoon Wedding, one of my favourite films. I love that she tells real, sincere, sometimes controversial stories through her work, and in a place where Bollywood fantasy dominates, she dares to be different. She has become a formidable female force in the film industry in India and internationally. She is an inspirational woman in the arts.
Chief executive officer of South Africa-Netherlands Research Professor Anshu Padayachee. She is an academic and women’s rights activist who is one of many unsung heroes of our time. I had the privilege of meeting her. She is humble, wise and unassuming. Not just a pretty face either, she studied at Harvard University.
Legal advisor and former director of public prosecutions in KwaZuluNatal Shamila Batohi. I can’t help but feel proud when I hear the name Shamila Batohi. She is a force to be reckoned with who hails from my home town. She is accomplished, nationally recognised and held in high esteem. I still remember when everyone was in awe of her when she was the prosecutor leading evidence during the highly publicised Hansie Cronjé match-fixing enquiry (Gerrie Nel has nothing on her).
American actress Meryl Streep. Her overwhelming talent as an actress is enough to make any other actress anywhere want to make a success of her career. Watching talented people makes me want to try harder, to improve, to constantly work at my craft and never take anything for granted. She is the type of performer who makes the portrayal of the most complex character look effortless and yet you know that absolute commitment and hard work are behind her portrayal.
American actress Tina Fey — I think she is just cool and whacky and bloody hardworking. I first saw her work on SNL, playing a range of hilarious characters, and she has just become more and more successful in her career. She is a mother, writer, producer and actress.
She is an inspiration to me, proving you can make your dreams come true.
Mother Teresa for her selfless humanitarian work. There is an unspeakable joy in giving and helping others without expecting a return or recognition.