Chicken Licken's new 'Just enough extra' advert.
Image: Supplied
Twenty-three-year-old South African Bollywood actress TeKayha Sukuram has stepped into mainstream advertising with her latest role in Chicken Licken’s new advert, "Just enough extra".
Sukuram, a former Zee TV Miss India South Africa winner, also had a role in the Zee TV show, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, last year.
The high-energy commercial, inspired by a dramatic Bollywood action film, features Sukuram as the love interest of General Raj, played by Tamer Burjaq.
The advert, which aired on Monday, has already drawn attention for its larger-than-life action sequences and detailed production design.
Sukuram, from Umhlanga, shared her excitement about landing the role.
“The casting call went out a few months ago. I sent my videos, which the producers liked, and they asked me to return for an in-person audition. I was ecstatic when a few days later I was told I had been given the role,” she said.
TeKayha Sukuram behind the scenes of the advert.
Image: Supplied
While Sukuram is no stranger to Bollywood productions, she described the experience as refreshingly different.
“Being in a mainstream advert was different from my normal Bollywood roles but I was excited for something new."
The advert centres around a dramatic police chase, complete with bank robbers, explosive action and signature Bollywood flair.
“The advert is based on a Bollywood concept, where a police officer is trying to stop bank robbers. It is a very extra Bollywood action type of scene, with cars flipping and a fighting sequence."
In the advert, Sukuram’s character watches the chaos unfold from a bustling market scene.
“I am the love interest on the sidelines in the market, watching the action play out, and I am in awe of General Raj, who is a hero. I had no lines. My role was purely facial expressions.”
The advert, by Romance Films, marked a significant milestone in her career.
“This was my first large-scale production. I was grateful to be part of something new and different. My favourite part was being on set and seeing the production happening. The production team and crew were an absolute pleasure to work with."
TeKayha Sukuram during the advert production.
Image: Supplied
Shot over a single weekend in the Johannesburg CBD, the scale of the production was extensive. Roads were closed and an entire intersection was transformed to resemble the streets of Mumbai.
“The production team had to close off multiple roads and they transformed an entire intersection to look just like Mumbai, from the car number plates and Hindi signage to posters on the walls and shopping stalls outside. The art department did an outstanding job. Their attention to detail was immaculate. I truly felt like I was walking in the streets of Mumbai.”
She also highlighted the impressive stunt work that brought the action-packed concept to life.
“Another cool point to note is there was a lot of stunt work being done, from cars being flipped to stunt men being slammed onto the ground.
With six principal cast members working closely together, Sukuram said the team quickly formed a bond.
“There are six of us in the main cast. I feel we worked well together. The atmosphere on set was amazing. It was my first time working with these cast members but it felt like we had been friends for a long time."
Reflecting on seeing the final product for the first time, she said: “The advert aired on Monday and I was so excited to see the finished product. With its blend of humour, drama and just enough extra flair, the advert marked an exciting new chapter as I try to expand my presence beyond traditional Bollywood cinema."