Kajal Maharaj: from shy dreamer to celebrated actress and entrepreneur

KAJAL Maharaj’s journey from a shy child with big dreams to an acclaimed actress and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.

With her heart firmly set on acting, she faced a world that often underestimated her ambition. Yet, with unwavering support from her family and a fierce determination, she carved out a vibrant and influential presence in the South African entertainment industry.

The actress recently starred in My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding directed and written by Theshan Naicker. It was a love story of an interracial relationship between a Zulu man and an Indian woman (played by Maharaj) and was released on December 12. At one stage, the film was among the top 5 movies watched in cinemas.  

Maharaj said she knew the film would stir, open minds, spark conversations, and draw the audience in the same way it drew her in. 

"The film will leave a mark. On top of it, I respected Theshen's work and I aligned with his vision. I admired his goal-driven mindset and the way he reached for his dreams with no limitations,” said Maharaj, who is working on a one-woman play about self-realisation being an Uber ride away.

"It achieves this by presenting an attractive 30-something attorney at a crisis point in her life in terms of ethical, moral and health dilemmas, while waiting for her Uber. As her story unfolds through audio-visual technology featuring 15 other actors, special effects,  social media clips and artificial intelligence animation, she eventually chooses herself and in so doing, frees herself from the shackles of her life story." 

There will be cameos by Aaron McCilroy, Daisy Spencer, Suria Govender, Illa Thomspon and Rahul Brijnath.

Maharaj said she always wanted to be an actress, and as a child she used to act out scenes with her siblings, cousins and friends. 

"My parents, Rehana and Raam, recognised this desire to story tell and enrolled me in speech and drama classes. They supported this childhood vision that I would become an actress, and they did not steer me off this path even when I sometimes did not believe in myself. They drove me to every audition, every rehearsal, waited, supported and enveloped me in a united goal." 

Maharaj attended Effingham Heights Primary and Danville Girls' High School and described herself as shy and introverted. 

“I started modelling professionally in high school and that built my confidence. I describe my personality as an introverted-extrovert. I never seek the spotlight. I prefer the shadows but in this industry, you have to know how to claim the spotlight and this was a skill I learnt. I know when to claim the stage and when to enjoy the quiet.”  

Having matriculated with distinctions in every subject, she pursued a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in marketing, media and communications, and drama and performance studies. 

“I have and continue to work in the marketing field. It goes hand in hand with creating a business as an artist.” 

She went on to feature in stage productions and movies while in university. 

“I was cast in my first theatre production at The Playhouse. We later toured with this production while studying. I then saw an audition on the board at campus for a local feature film. I auditioned and got the part in my first movie during the same year. Suddenly my face was recognisable wherever I went. At this point, it was the beginning of internet criticism and I learnt to build a thick skin."

Maharaj said acting involved lengthy hours and physical strength. 

“It is like continuously being at the gym. The tools that you use are your body, mind and voice and you need to show up even on the days you are exhausted. The hours are very, very long. Sometimes you shoot throughout the night into the early hours of the morning and in each take you need to look fresh. It takes a lot of hard work. 

“I'm blessed with a photographic memory, so lines are never a problem but it is a lot of lines and mistakes cost money, so you need to be well prepared with your script. 

“Getting into character is a deep and lengthy process. There is a lot of research and referencing involved. You are given a character bio and from that point on you create your own character brief and fill in the blanks. All the details, from childhood to quirks to dreams and fears. This will help you understand how your character reacts.” 

She has played numerous colourful and challenging characters and valued all of them. But she is best recognised, across Africa, for her character Shria Rampersadh from Imbewu: The Seed on eTV. 

Asked if often got stopped by fans, she said “all the time”.

“Even if I am dressed down and I think supporters will not recognise me, they always do. They cry, scream, rush towards you with love and appreciation. You learn to get comfortable with the attention. No matter what I am doing, I will always stop and make time for anyone who wishes to talk to me or take a picture with me.”  

When she is not in front of a camera, she is a hands-on mom. 

“Becoming a mom was a dream realised for me. I struggled to conceive my two miracle boys, Zorion, 11, and Kyros, 10, so being their mother is my greatest accomplishment and my priority. 

“When I was shooting on Imbewu and my call time was 5.30am, I would wake up earlier, make their lunches, cook their dinner and then leave for the studio. I would then take a break from shooting to pick them up from school, drop them off and head back to work.” 

She said she had created an environment where her boys knew they could always turn to her no matter the situation. 

“They are little, respectful gentlemen. My pride and joy.” 

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