By Nikashni Naidoo
Local model and actor, Keval Maharaj has finally let the cat out the bag as he scooped his first role as a main supporting actor in an upcoming production. The movie, ‘Sugar Cane Boy’, is an adaptation of the South African best-selling novel with the same title by Rubendra Govender and will be produced by Arona Khemraj. Maharaj bagged the role of Ruen Murugappa, the best friend of the main character. The Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid sat on the couch with Maharaj to find out more about his journey.
Chatsworth Tabloid (CT): Who is Keval Maharaj?
Keval Maharaj (KM): I am often known through my nickname Jenko. I am originally from Havenside Chatsworth. I work in IT but also pursuing a career in acting and modelling.
CT: Tell us about how you scooped your debut role on the silver screen.
KM: There has been a lot of hype around the casting for Sugar Cane Boy. I’ve gotten multiple calls and messages to give it a shot, after some really good motivation from my closest I decided to go in for a reading. In the room with the casting directors I decided to audition as if I had already got the role. That mentality allowed me to really show my capabilities as an actor. A lesson learned, never underestimate your capabilities.
CT: How do you hope to capture the audience through your role as Ruen Murugappa?
KM: Emotion, definitely! The writing is immaculate, It will take a lot of hard work to bring a character which exists on a page to real life. Being a physical representation just isn’t enough, it’s the emotion of delivery that counts and that’s my primary focus
CT: How similar are you to the character you’re portraying?
KM: Surprisingly, we are very much similar. In the audition room I asked for a little background on the character and I was told the following words, “A misjudged arrogant appearance on the outside but extremely open hearted and humble. Well groomed and put together yet filled with raging emotion on the inside”.
CT: What is your relationship like with the rest of the cast members? Have you gelled well with them?
KM: I was very much lucky to be in the same waiting room as many of the main cast members who auditioned on the same day as me. Prior to going in for the reading I got the opportunity to meet and speak to them. Unknowing of the roles we would receive, good chemistry filled the room. I can definitely confirm the same level of energy will be on set.
CT: As this is your first appearance onscreen as a main supporting actor, did you have any reservations about putting yourself on such a platform?
KM: I’ve been on many media platforms during my journey in this industry. This however will be my first time with a relatively major role on the big screen. No reservations at all, I just hope to really give the audience a brilliant experience
CT: As a model, how have the skills you’ve learned helped you channel your inner performer?
KM: Over the years I have picked up a common ground between modelling and acting. The skills we learn in modelling such as fluent speaking, posture, grooming, and movement are skills that can be used in any aspect of the entertainment industry. I’ve utilised these skills in modelling, theatre, TV and cinema. They have never let me down.
CT: If you could live in another historical period, would you? If so, which one?
KM: This question is the exact reason I wish to have a time machine! It is very difficult to choose one specific time period. If I had the opportunity I would choose to experience a year in every century.
CT: How would you spend your days if you had unlimited time and resources?
KM: I’m a lover of cinema and film as well as upliftment and life coaching. Creating a movie is telling a story, in order to have a good story you need to experience them. I would love to travel and gain new experiences and inspiration for these stories to bring to screen. I would also love to open up my own agency of sorts and focus on helping aspiring artists who need training and assistance in achieving their dreams in media. I would be their helping hand to raise them to new heights. In reality I do not have unlimited time and resources however I will work as hard as possible to still make this dream come true.
CT: Do you have any mentors or people you look up to?
KM: Yes, multiple. There is no limit to learning. I live by the quote, “If you surround yourself with 5 brilliant people, you will be the sixth”. I chose to surround myself with friends and associates who give me the guidance and advice I need. I am one of the very lucky few who got to meet their heroes and develop a good friendship out of it.
CT: What is a part of your profession that looks easy-peasy lemon squeezy but is actually difficult difficult lemon difficult?
KM: Understanding your script and delivery has to be the most difficult aspect. No form of the media industry is improvised, everything follows a script. Delivery of that script, if done well, makes it seem easy and seamless but it isn’t at all. People assume it is memorising lines and then saying it back to the camera, but it is so much more.
CT: What smell, image, or sound triggers nostalgia for you?
KM: If I had to pick one it would be the smell of a home cooked meal made with love. It really takes me back to when Grandma used to feed me.
CT: What’s something you’ve drawn inspiration from recently?
KM: I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration lately while doing some charity work. It reminded me that my purpose is to help and uplift and ultimately change lives. The best way I know how is to use my influence and presence in the media. This inspires me to constantly work hard and keep pushing to attain the means to help those who need it.
CT: Heard any good tips lately?
KM: A common one I’ve heard lately from many who have been following my journey for the past few years is, “Failure is the stepping stone to success, there is nothing you cannot achieve with the right mindset.” It has been a long journey of failed auditions, lost competitions and No’s before landing this role. Never lose grip on your dreams.
CT: How can people follow your journey as Ruen Murugappa?
KM: There a various ways to keep track of the movie, Sugar Cane Boy the Movie has a Facebook Group with over 5 thousand members currently. You can also follow me on @lordJenko_ for instagram or Keval Jenko Maharaj on Facebook for updates as well.
