Doreen Premdev
ENTERTAINERS Vikash Mathura and Jack Devnarain will be making history soon – both the comedian and actor have teamed up for the first time in what promises to be an hilarious comedy show that South African’s could relate to. Harry & the Gupta (Hatag) features these well know personalities – who will spin their own version on what really happened at the posh Saxonwold shebeen.
Devnarain is a renowned television and film actor – he has been entertaining South African audiences for the past 25 years, while Mathura has been wowing radio and theatre audiences around the country. Mathura, 44, of Sandton, Johannesburg, said Hatag is set in the mythical Saxonwold Shebeen.
“The story begins when Harry, a brash Durban entrepreneur (played by Mathura), meets Rajesh Gupta (Devnarain), a mischievous fellow and felon,” said Mathura. “A series of misunderstandings results in hilarious outcomes as each character tries to impress the other.”
“Jack and I have maintained a close friendship for nearly 30 years,” said Mathura. “We have always tracked and celebrated each other’s career milestones, and this production allows us Harry & the Gupta. to express our joy with being entertainers.”
Mathura said he wanted this show to be different from to his previous acts.
“Collaborating with a giant talent like Jack has forced me to dig deep and pull out my A-game because I know that he will bring nothing less. This project was the impetus that I needed to ignite the creative spark that I had buried a few years ago. But when Jack and I did our first script-read, it did not take too long for the creative juices to start flowing again,” said Mathura.
Devnarain, 47, takes on a new character in this show, which is a contrast to the upstanding, sensible and sophisticated Rajesh Kumar in the local soap Isidingo on SABC
“Comedy is where it all started for me,” said Devnarain. “I did perform in Bombay
Duck and Stardust for Khartoum Productions in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Comedy has always been close to my heart, even in my television career.
“On the Couch, Kompleks and City Ses’la were memorable TV comedies, and I loved the experience.”
He said his character, Gupta, is smooth and charming but also socially inept because he lives a truly cosseted life, with billions in spare change to fund a lavish lifestyle. Meeting Harry is an eye-opener for him, said Devnarain.
The premier date for the show will be announced on
June 1.