New show will highlight Indians in SA

AFTER 14 years of entertaining viewers from across the country, Eastern Mosaic will be calling it a day when its last episode is aired today.

The show will be replaced by Mela, a magazine show with a South African Indian focus. The lifestyle show will include food, health, music and dance.

The new show will be produced by Red Carpet Productions, which also produces Eastern Mosaic.

The show will be hosted by Kajal Bagwandeen, Zakeeya Patel, Jailoshini Naidoo and Farrah Mia. Bagwandeen said the new show was a fresh and exciting project.

“The show will have a South African Indian focus, it is about celebrating our unique culture, although we are Indian, we are South African first, this is my home and the show is going to celebrate that.

“Yes, it will have aspects of Bollywood and Kollywood, but the focus is on life here.”

Eastern Mosaic has been on screens since 2000.

“We are not rebranding Eastern Mosaic. Mela will be different. The only similarity between the two is that it also focuses on South African Indian culture,” she said.

Bagwandeen was a presenter on Eastern Mosaic before joining the cast of Isidingo. She said she was sad to say goodbye.

“It is bitter-sweet. It was the only show on television that targeted the Indian community, we grew up with the show and had a great time on it, but all good things must come to an end and change is good. It’s time for a change,” Bagwandeen said.

She said that although some people might resist change, Melawould appeal to everyone.

Bagwandeen has already shot the first episode with her co-presenter Patel.

“Zakeeya and I have beautiful chemistry; it’s fun being in the studio with her. It is also different for me being in the studio as opposed to recording on location, but I am enjoying it. The layout is chilled – it is like having a conversation with a friend and that’s what we want for the viewers too.”.

Bagwandeen will have her crown birthday when Mela airs on August 31 but although she said she had no plans, she would celebrate with family and friends.