From dancing around her home as a toddler to starring in films and international productions, TeKayha Sukuram has built a career driven by passion, perseverance and purpose. Today, the actress, dancer, entrepreneur and philanthropist continues to make her mark both on and off the screen.
Tabloid Newspapers sat down with Sukuram to discuss her journey, career highlights, latest projects and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Tabloid Newspapers (TN): For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe yourself beyond the spotlight?
TeKayha Sukuram (TS): I’ve never believed in fitting into just one box. While people know me as an actress and dancer, I’m equally passionate about entrepreneurship, education and creating opportunities for others. At my core, I’m someone who loves learning, embracing new challenges and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
TN: What kind of child were you, and what first sparked your love for performing?
TS: As a child, I was always imaginative and full of energy. I loved dancing, putting on little performances and entertaining family and friends. I was that child who loved school and was always the teacher’s pet. Looking back, I would say the song Bole Chudiyan from the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham first sparked my love for performing. It is one of my earliest memories, where my parents would play the song while I danced around the house for hours. I was only about three or four years old at the time.
TN: Was acting always your dream, or did you initially see yourself following a different career path?
TS: Acting has always been my biggest dream. From a young age, I was fascinated by film and television. I remember watching movies and imagining myself on screen one day. That passion only grew stronger as I got older.
TN: You studied towards a BCom in Accounting. What inspired that choice, and how did you balance academics with a demanding career in entertainment?
TS: I graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with my degree in BCom Accounting a few years ago. I’ve always believed that education gives you options, and my choice in degree was heavily inspired by my father, who is an entrepreneur himself. Balancing the entertainment industry with my studies was not always easy, but time management and planning ahead helped me stay committed to my goals.
TN: Every successful career has a starting point. What was your first breakthrough moment, and how did it shape your confidence as a performer?
TS: In 2020, I auditioned to represent South Africa at the International Modelling & Talent Association in New York City. This was definitely a turning point for me. It opened doors internationally and gave me opportunities I never imagined, including winning a scholarship to study acting at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy, one of the best performing arts institutions in the world. It showed me that dreams can become reality when you are willing to put yourself out there.
TN: Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your journey?
TS: I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my journey. More than any one individual, my family has been my greatest support system. They have taught me resilience, humility and the importance of continuing to work hard even after achieving success.
TN: The entertainment industry is highly competitive. What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced?
TS: One of the biggest challenges is learning not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Rejection is part of the industry, but I’ve learnt that every audition and every setback prepares you for the opportunity that is meant for you. Persistence has become one of my greatest strengths.
TN: Congratulations on the release of Sugar Cane Boy. Tell us about the film and your character.
TS: Thank you so much! Sugar Cane Boy is a socio-historical family drama set in apartheid-era KwaZulu-Natal. Based on the novel by Rubendra Govender, it traces Soya Sivaramen’s journey from a humble farm boy to a member of the provincial legislature in KwaZulu-Natal. I portray Seyuri Murugappa (adult), who is the love interest of the movie’s protagonist, Soya.
TN: How did you prepare for Seyuri’s character?
TS: My character, Seyuri, is known as the “Princess of the estate” and definitely has a superiority complex. Off screen, I like to think I’m quite the opposite — I always try to be as kind and approachable as possible. Stepping into that “mean girl” mindset was definitely a fun challenge and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
TN: You recently appeared in Chicken Licken’s Bollywood-inspired campaign. What was that experience like?
TS: It was such a fun experience! Being part of a brand that so many South Africans know and love was incredibly rewarding. Being on set felt like you were in the middle of a Bollywood action movie — from cars flying in the air to stunt doubles being flung across the street. It also allowed me to connect with an entirely new audience.
TN: Winning the Zee TV Miss India South Africa title was a major milestone. How did pageantry influence your acting career?
TS: Pageantry taught me confidence, professionalism and how to communicate with people from all walks of life. It also opened doors in the entertainment industry, such as travelling to Mumbai, India, to shoot and star in multiple Zee TV shows. I was the first Miss India South Africa to achieve this, and it is something I am extremely grateful for.
TN: You founded E-Quali-Cation, an initiative focused on education. What inspired you?
TS: I founded E-Quali-Cation several years ago because I understand the life-changing impact that a quality education can have. I wanted to help create opportunities for as many young people as possible, knowing that education can completely change the trajectory of someone’s future. Over time, that vision evolved into a broader non-profit organisation, The Changemakers, which focuses not only on education but also on issues affecting communities, such as gender-based violence.
TN: How important is it for you to use your platform to create positive change?
TS: It is extremely important. I believe success becomes even more meaningful when you use it to uplift others. If sharing my journey encourages even one young person to pursue their dreams or believe in themselves, then I’ve achieved something worthwhile beyond my career.
TN: What goals have you set for yourself over the next five years?
TS: I’d love to continue building my acting career both locally and internationally, particularly in Bollywood and global film and television productions. I also want to grow my businesses and use my platform to inspire more young people to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
TN: If your life were made into a movie one day, what would the title be — and why?
TS: I think I’d simply call it TeKayha. My hope is that, by then, my name will have grown into something bigger than just a name — it will represent a legacy. I want people to think of someone who is not afraid to dream big, someone who has been able to succeed across different industries, whether that is entertainment, business, fashion or philanthropy. More than anything, I’d want TeKayha to represent possibility — to remind people that you do not have to fit into one box, and that you owe it to yourself to go after your dreams.
