Theshen Naicker prepares for dual premieres: 'The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth' and 'My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding'

ACTOR Theshen Naicker is gearing up for an exhilarating few weeks as he prepares to unveil two major projects: the highly-anticipated play, The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth, premiering on November 29, and the romantic film, My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding, set for release on December 12. 

Each of these productions embodies not only Naicker's personal upliftment but also traverses deeper societal narratives that resonate within the Indian community.

Raised in the close-knit community of Kenville, in Durban, Naicker often reflects on the unwavering support his upbringing provided. 

"What I love most about Kenville was that we were a small community and we all took care of each other," he said. 

"Every child was treated like one part of the bigger family and we respected all the elders. Even though I've left Kenville, Kenville still supports me and sees me as its own. While making the movie, I needed extras. I called my community in Kenville and they were there; all dressed up in their fancy Indian outfits to support me.”

The 39-year-old actor and debutant director and producer, who now resides in Musgrave, said family played a crucial role in shaping his artistic journey. 

His father, Jeeva Naicker, who performed as a singer in the band Anbu Entertainers in the 1980s and 1990s, nurtured his passion for the arts from a young age. 

Naicker remembers the moments he spent watching his dad on stage, igniting a spark that would grow into a powerful force in his life.

“From a young age, he encouraged me to sing and dance. I remember performing for my family, attending live shows, and watching Bollywood films with my dad. I was 9 years old when he drove me to The Playhouse to audition for a dance drama. I was scared because there were hundreds of people there. Fortunately, I was chosen as part of the dance group in the production that was choreographed by Jay Pather. While it was not a big role, it taught me the art and discipline behind the performing arts.

“About two years later, my English teacher at Kenville Primary, Mrs S Naidu, cast me in my first school production. I played a comedic character, Mr Akalwaya. What I realised was that I was able to capture the audience’s attention and in turn, I loved the attention I got from the audience, so I continued performing in primary school productions.” 

Despite his early successes, adolescence brought challenges that dimmed his artistic light. 

"While in Dr AD Lazarus Secondary, I stopped acting due to the pressures of puberty and grappling with my sexuality," he said. 

Yet, after coming out to his parents at age 18, Naicker found the courage to resurrect his theatrical aspirations, leading him to his first professional role in the stage production Mandrax Munniama and the Suitcase Carriers at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya.

“It was directed by the late Aldrin Naidu. He gave me some of the greatest theatrical advice and never minced his words. At times I cried because I wasn't used to being shouted at, but he definitely helped mould me into the actor,” said Naicker who has an honours degree in psychology. 

His breakthrough moment arrived when he portrayed the villain in the hit film The Curse of Highway Sheila. 

“It was staged in cinemas and was an absolute hit. People loved my performance, and I was quickly becoming recognised as a talented and serious actor.” 

But the character that truly allowed him to flourish was that of Aunty Sheila, which he developed in 2016, the same year he started Sheila Power Productions. 

Aunty Sheila is a representation of both his real-life grandmothers. 

“My father's mother was quite beautiful. She was a Telugu woman, who always wore saris. My mom's mother never minced her words. When my maternal grandmother passed away in 2016, I wanted her legacy to live on, so I came up with this character Aunty Sheila and combined both my grandmothers’ characters.”  

A video of Aunty Sheila was posted on Facebook and she instantly became a hit. 

“I subsequently started the social media page ‘Let's Talk with Aunty Sheila’ and it became an instant hit. Sheila is not afraid to tackle sensitive issues in the Indian community, but she does it in a lighthearted, fun-spirited manner so the message resonates.” 

He said Aunty Sheila had progressed over the years. Her fashion sense had improved and her character was more refined.  

“Aunty Sheila is a huge part of my life. In fact, I always say this, when I put on the wig, it’s like a different spirit enters my body. She has been my greatest therapy and freed me from shame. She gave me a voice to speak my truth when Theshen himself was scared to speak his truth.” 

Looking ahead, the next two months promise an extraordinary adventure for Naicker. The launch of The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth and his eagerly-awaited film is more than a coincidence. It is a culmination of years of development and hard work. 

While the play is almost sold out, Naicker is eager to share his dream project with audiences in Durban.

“The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth is a comedic satire that reflects the lives of affluent women in the Chatsworth community, interwoven with themes of rivalry and empowerment. 

"I wanted to show that, despite the catty narrative, women need to rise above and unite to succeed. The strongest message is about being your true authentic self because in times of difficulty, it’s not your designer bags that will save you but the strong characters you have built within that sense of resilience.” 

The cast also includes Reicene Pillay, Chrisantha Moodley and Rashid Mlongo.

His film, My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding, tells the story of an interracial relationship between a Zulu man and an Indian woman. 

Inspired by real-life encounters, Naicker is determined to showcase an authentic representation of South African culture. 

“During my time as a make-up artist, I was doing the plait for a South Indian bride. I assumed she was marrying a Tamil guy. When she said she was actually marrying an African, Zulu guy, I was surprised and my shock was clear on my face. She then told me their love story. It sparked my interest, and that's when I started to write the movie back in 2020.” 

But he faced hurdles to bring the movie to life. 

"I invested my savings and assembled a production team, culminating in a 10-day shooting schedule that tested my resolve," he said. 

"But with persistent prayer and hard work, we managed to see it through."

Pre-production started last October. 

“I started shooting my movie in January in a record breaking time because we had such a limited budget. It was one of the most challenging professional jobs I had to take on, and on many days I was left in tears. I did not know if I was going to meet the deadline of 10 days, but by God's grace and sincere prayer, we got the film sorted out.” 

He said his debut as a director and film producer was a “huge moment for me”. 

“It was my biggest dream to make a movie before I turned 40 and by God’s grace I was able to achieve this.” 

The movie stars Kajal Maharaj, Rashid Mlongo, Musawenkosi M Shozi, Zukanye Sihlobo and Mishka Pillay. One of Naicker’s alter-egos, the crass Amoy Aunty, also steals the limelight.  

While some movie projects are marketed months in advance, Naicker said he intentionally marketed late.

“I wanted the marketing to hit hard and the release to be quite soon, so the marketing material is still fresh in people's minds before they watch the movie.” 

This movie, for him, is his “victory dance”. 

“It’s a survival letter to myself. I’ve been the boy that never fitted in, that suffered many years of bullying. I was beaten up for being different, for sounding like a girl, for having a pretty face. I was told that God hated me and I was a disgrace. All I ever wanted was to be treated with respect like a human-being and find a place where I belong.

“Through it all, the hurt, the pain, the hate, I never let that change my loving spirit. I moved forward in my life with love and God’s blessings. I never gave up on myself and today, I can proudly say I’ve changed the narrative and got a chance to tell my story and in doing so, I’m saving many lives who feel the same pain I felt growing up.

“I wish I had someone to look up to while growing up. We had no representation. But through Aunty Sheila, through my movies, I’m giving so many a voice and in the process. I’m healing the wounds of my past.” 

After the buzz dies, Naicker wants to take an overseas holiday and get back to writing another script - probably the sequel to this movie.

• The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth will be staged at the Tsogo Globe at Suncoast on November 29 at 8pm. Tickets are available at Ticketpro. 

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