Getting up close and personal with bollywood actress, Dia Mirza

By Janine Moodley

Amid last week's hype of the South African Indian Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA), with Bollywood stars everywhere, I had the opportunity to interview the flawless beauty, actress and producer, Dia Mirza in Umhlanga prior to the awards on Thursday, 5 September. This is what the Bollywood stunner had to say:  

JM: Having travelled around the world, what makes Durban, South Africa unique and different from other countries?

DM: I love South Africa, especially Durban. I mean what's not to love, its clean, the people are super friendly, I love the clear blue skies and beautiful ocean. Durban also has a large population of Indians which makes me feel like it is a home away from home. 

JM: You have worked with acting legends such as Zayed Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Sunil Chetty, who has been a pleasure working with and who not so much?

DM: (laughs) You're trying to get me into trouble aren't you? Well I'm not going to be diplomatic but I'm going to be honest in saying that every person you work with has their own individual personality and characteristics. Some of them are really fun and enjoyable to work with and there are some who can be really distant and keep to themselves, do their work and go back home, that's fine as long as they don't make it difficult for you. I think I've been very lucky because majority of the people I've worked with were very warm, friendly and very supportive.

JM: Who is dressing you for SAIFTA and what are you wearing?

DM: Manish Malhotra together with another designer as well as my stylist has put all my garments together. It is an indian garment cut in a western style.

JM: What are you most excited about regarding SAIFTA?

DM: Watching the local talent on stage whether it is their performances, or their hosting. It's going to be fun. 

JM: Correct me if I'm wrong but you belong to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)? Tell us why you have chosen to support this particular organisation?

DM: I'm a big animal lover. There is a major problem with using snake skin for shoes and clothing India as well as the rest of the world and I want to do my part to try and stop the high rate of killing and show the world that is not ok to kill animals for fashion.

JM: You also do work for HIV/AIDS organisations in India and as you know South Africa has a very high rate of HIV/AIDS infected people. What advice would you like to give to those that are infected and affected by this pandemic?

DM: I think what most communities and groups are focusing on is to rehabilitate people who are HIV infected and to help them live a normal life because there is a huge social impact that people have to go through when diagnosed with the disease. The truth is that today, medicine has come a long way and have helped those infected to live a normal life, to do everything that they used to do. What is most important is working on everyone else's attitudes towards the disease. In India we have a very big battle with people with AIDS, they are completely ostracized from society. There are so many HIV deaths that do not even get a funeral because nobody comes to collect their bodies and its really really sad. I think we all keep repeating the concept that, by touching a person that has AIDS you might contract the disease which is not true. By sharing a hug, you're not going to get the disease, do not alienate them, give them respect, give them love and allow them a life of dignity. 

JM: You are currently dating your business partner, Sahil Sangha, is marriage on the cards anytime soon?

DM: Yes, marriage is definitely on the cards. It should happen as soon as our film allows us to.

Just for fun:

JM: High heels or flats? Depends on the occasion

JM: Saif Ali Khan or Zayed Khan? Both (laughs)

JM: Sari or dress? Again, it depends on the occasion.

JM: India or South Africa? Awwww…….South Africa

JM: Biryani or pasta? Biryani

Interviewing the gorgeous Upen Patel

By Janine Moodley

Jetting down to Durban for the first time to host a fashion event, gorgeous supermodel turned actor, Upen Patel took a moment to speak to me about how he became an international superstar.

JM: Having worked in South Africa several times, what has your experience been like and how have South Africans, especially Durbanites treated you? 

UP: Actually its my first time in Durban but I have worked in South Africa before, hosting events and local fashion shows and the people have been quite friendly. I was quite excited coming to Durban for the first time and looking forward to see how people will treat me here. 

JM: You began your career as a model, going on to model for international multi-million dollar brands such as Versace, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger, what made you venture into the world of acting?

UP: I didn't decide to get into acting, it kind of chose me. I was doing fashion and then I think just like most people when they become huge models whether you're female or male, the next step is Bollywood. Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea all came from modelling, so for me that was my pathway. So unless you come from a film family, the only way to get into the industry is through modeling. 

JM: From all the Indian beauties that you have worked with so far, who was a pleasure working with and who was an Ultimate Drama Queen?

UP: They were all a pleasure to work with and there were no drama queens (laughs).

JM: Have you tried your hand at Hollywood movies and who would you like to work with from that industry?

UP: No, I have not, I'm just so busy with the work I have right now although my favourite international director is Clint Eastwood. I would love to be apart of his films, even if it is just a fun character. Acting wise there's so many people I would love to work with, like Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Al Pacino, I mean they are all so great.

JM: You were voted one of the top 10 sexiest Asian men in the world for four years in a row. What did that feel like and what was the response from your fans?

UP: You know I really don't take that stuff seriously, but its nice to be appreciated although I would love to be appreciated for my work. I always felt like the obsession of my looks and body takes over from my work and people forget that I have won awards for acting. I would like to be appreciated for my arts and crafts apart from anything else.

JM: You also received the award for most stylish male for two years in a row by MTV India. When deciding what to wear for an event, how do you choose what's hot and what's not?

UP: You know I like to dress comfortably and I have a very famous saying that there's two things you can never be, over dressed and over educated, so for any event I like to over dress, I also read a lot to keep myself up to date with what's current. 

JM: Your parents were originally from Uganda in East Africa before moving to the UK, why did they leave Africa and did you ever visit Uganda after your parents left?

UP: I have never visited Uganda and would never go there. My parents were kicked out of Uganda along with all the other Asians by Idi Amin in 1972. They were given 90 days to leave so the Asians  either went to Canada or the UK, the two governments that allowed people to come through because Idi Amin was killing all the Asians during that time. 

JM: Being born in the UK, how did you learn to speak hindi fluently and what other languages can you speak?

UP: It was very hard work to learn the language but I did. I only speak English and Hindi/Urdu.

JM: I'm sure there a loads of groupies that follow you around. Tell us of an experience where a fan got out of hand when they met you in person?

UP: Actually I have no groupies (shrugs). The Asian community doesn't really have that, they don't have groupies. They are quite polite, they might want to take a picture with you or give you a hug but nothing extreme. I've never had an episode of an out of hand fan, I've always met lovely people.  

JM: When can your fans see more of you on the big screen?

UP: Well, I have been shooting this movie for one year called 'I', its a Tamil/Telugu film. Its being directed by Shankar. It is one of the most expensive movies made in India.  AR Rahman is doing the music, Peter Jackson who did Lord of the Rings is doing the special effects. Its a huge, huge, huge canvas.

JM: This question is for all your female fans, tell us about your love life- are you dating anyone? Are you single or in a complicated relationship? 

UP: (Smiles) I'm single at the moment.

Just for fun:

JM: Tie or T-shirt

Tie

JM: Boxers or briefs 

Boxerbriefs

JM: Sunset or sunrise

Sunset

JM: Silk or cotton

Silk

JM: Celina Jaitley or Deepika Padukone

None, I refuse to comment without my lawyer present (laughs)

Getting to know MJ tribute artist, Kenny Whiz

By Janine Moodley

Kenny Wizz popularly known to be one of the best Michael Jackson Impersonators in the world, comes to Durban all the way from the US  till 6 January to pay tribute to king of pop, Michael Jackson. Whizz describes himself as an entertainer who has dedicated 28 years of his life as a "tribute artist" through the career of the greatest entertainer this world has ever witnessed. I caught up with the talented performer to get to know him better:

JM: What sparked your interest in the infamous Micheal Jackson and when did you realize you wanted to pursue a career as a performer such as this?

KW: I grew up in Los Angeles, California where the Jackson 5 had a big influence musically after their move from Gary, Indiana so I have enjoyed their music as a young kid influenced. As far as realizing when I wanted to pursue it as a career is something that I did not realize simply because of the fact that I was a street performer at the time the Thriller album was released and people would see me performing and thought that I resembled the photo on the front cover of the thriller album in which they thought that I should try to dance like Michael Jackson as a street performer. So, as the Thriller album became more and more popular over those next few months, more and more people were saying this so I finally gave it a try and 28 years later here I am still performing, so it was the public`s influence for me to pursue this career and not my own.

JM: Think back to when you was a child, what was your favorite MJ song at the time?

KW: My favorite MJ song as a child would be "Dancing Machine"

JM: Have you ever had a bad experience on stage where people did not take well to you? 

KW: No I have not, as Michael Jackson has always been respected as a great entertainer on stage despite any outside negativity. 

JM: What can people expect to see at your live performance? 

KW: They can expect a high powered energetic production with video production, LED lighting production, a live band and dancers that cover 22 songs with extravagant costume changes that cover a 2 hour time frame set in a concert-like atmosphere. And as far as my favorite Mj moves that turns crowds heads, of course that would be the signature "moonwalk".

JM: What do you love about Durban audiences thus far and how has been performing here different from anywhere else in the world?

KW: Durban audiences can be very enthusiastic and the performances here have been well received and no different from any other audiences as I have performed all over the world and people will always enjoy the music of Michael Jackson.

JM: What do you feel distinguishes you from other artists who try to impersonate MJ?

KW: I think what distinguishes me from other artists is that our show is all live in vocals and music and we do not lip sync to Michael Jackson`s voice.

JM: What has been your biggest challenge in your career thus far?

KW: My biggest challenge is staying fit for all the performances and travel that I incur.

JM: What's the future plans for Kenny Wizz?

KW: My future plans is to retire my tribute act in 2014 and concentrate on becoming an actor.

Zooming in on founder and owner of NGO, Blue Sky Society Trust, Carla Geyser

Born to be wild!

Durban North resident, Carla Geyser speaks out about protecting Africa's endangered animals

By Janine Moodley 

A woman who is extremely passionate about African wildlife and animals under threat, I decided to speak to Carla Geyser about the work that she is involved in, as well as the plight of some of Africa's most endangered species.

Geyser is the founder and owner of NGO, Blue Sky Society Trust which started a campaign called One In A Million. The campaign aims to increase the well being of wildlife in Africa. This includes animals like the rhino, elephant, lion, wild dog, cheetah and pangolin which are getting savagely poached. "We are sitting at about 826 rhinos this year. We are losing on average four per day, and about one elephant every 15 minutes due to ivory poaching in Africa. It’s devastating," she exclaimed.

The passion driven enthusiast said she first fell in love with Africa's nature and wildlife after she spent a few years living in the bush. " I have always wanted to be part of something, I remember at school I used to dream about joining Green Peace. But I think about two years ago my passion and dream was re-confirmed when I did the Put Foot Rally, which is a social rally which takes you out into Africa," she added.

Geyser says she struggles to get people to donate to the cause as well as getting the message out to the masses and urges people to get involved. "If you are passionate about doing something, don’t ever let anyone or anything stop you. If you can help financially then do, if you can’t then don’t worry,  you can also get involved by spreading the word about the campaign. Everyone thinks it’s so difficult to make a difference, but it’s not really. It all starts at home with your friends; there are so many things you can do to make a difference. You just need to be willing to get involved and not be one of those people that always sits on the fence and complains about everything. One of my most favourite quotes is, 'Let us be the generation that tells our grandchildren that we did something to make a difference',” she said.

On the Couch with South African soulful house band, Mi Casa

By Janine Moodley

Internationally acclaimed, South African based soulful house band Mi Casa, encompassing three breathtakingly gifted individuals, famous for their tracks, Heavenly Sent and These Streets were seen performing in Durban recently. I hence took the opportunity to chat to the group's vocalist, JSomething about what makes them the country's latest obsession.

JM: Who is Mi Casa? 

MC: Mi Casa is myself JSomething that does the lyrics and vocals, Dr Duda the producer, who also djs and plays keys live and Mo-T who plays the trumpet.

JM: When and how did the group form and how long have you been performing together?

MC: It's quite a funny story I mean we got together literally two years ago and that's when we first met. It was at an event in Jo'burg. Duda was djing, Mo-T's brother, Chaps worked at Soul Candi and invited him to play with Duda, they didn't know each other. Mo got there and started playing with Duda. At the event, I asked them if I could join them on the vocals, they didn't really know who I was but agreed. We got onto it and the next thing we knew, things were just gelling. It was a Soul Candi event so you know, he was there and he asked us if we wouldn't mind creating a group and three months later we did our first song and then three months after that we had our first album out in stores.

JM: What separates you from any other SA music group?

MC: You know, this has always been an interesting question that people ask, its always that competition thing and what I have always said and what the group have always said is that we are not here to compete with anyone else but ourselves. We have to compete with ourselves to make a better album then our first one, to make a better performance then our last performance, it's not about a better performance then the Parlotones or not a better performance then Black Motion, its not really about that, its about our story. I think there's so many instances where people spend so much time competing with others and we forget to compete with ourselves. So, I think what separates us, is a different bunch of things. There is no one like us, there is no other group like another and I think we must just remember that as South African musicians.

JM: What genre, do you believe, your music fits into?

MC: Well, it has has been quite an interesting topic over the last year and a half since the album has been out. It has always been that thing of 'yes it's house but it doesn't sound like the rest'. It doesn't sound like a normal house structure, that's because it isn't, we've infused jazz, we've infused soul influences, we've infused a lot of gospel into it. So there's breaks, there's bridges, there's changes of chords, there's a lot of things that help and define the music. Its a lot  like cooking, you put in certain flavors and it works so when you put us three together, you get the MiCasa flavour and it just works.

JM: In SA, there are many music groups who pop up from time to time and then fade away, what do you think gives you staying power?

I think it's exactly what I've said before, as South African musicians we tend to always try and be at the top and always try and beat everyone else which I think makes us sort of forget why we started doing this in the first place because essentially when we started we wanted to succeed, we wanted to achieved and prosper and we wanted MiCasa to grow beyond our wildest dreams but we never made it a point in our minds that we want to be better than another person or to be the best forever. Its about competing with yourself, its about marketing yourself and putting yourself out there, you know keeping yourself alive and so its a whole bunch of things. Its about making sure that the music is good, working on your performances, its just like a job you know, you just got to keep improving in order to get promotions.

JM: In groups, there's always a tussle in opinions, how do you maintain the friendship despite the disagreements here and there?

Well, its quite interesting you know, we are working on our second album now, we are back in studio and the feel is still the same as the first time but we have grown and matured a lot as friends, I think that the main thing is that we are friends before we are business partners. For sure there are tussles, disagreements, differences in character but the main thing is that we always try and provoke, challenge each other for the best, we bring out the best in each other. I agree that it is a challenge, as a solo artist it would be a lot easier in that sense, but we love each other, we love being together and I think that just works.

JM: Who else, in the music industry, would you like to work with and why?

MC: We are big dreamers, we have never considered something as impossible. When we do work, we aim for the best, we are aiming to achieve high things. Like I said we are working on the new album, so it means new things, new ideas, new collaborations and we would love to work with more people like David Guetta or music Soul Child or Anthony Hamilton or whoever man, there is so many talented musicians out there but I think for this album we are trying to create some very cool collaborations and I think once we start promoting the new album and actually getting it out there, people will see as we reveal one by one some of the very exciting collaborations that we are working on.

JM: JSomething, you are hit with the ladies, how do you handle the female attention?

JS:You know (laughs), its such a weird thing for me man because growing up in school I was never the Mr confident, I was just me and that's the guy I sort of remained to this day. You get attention, you get this amazing fans. It's all about remembering that it's all about them, and you are nothing in this game. Its about being humble and realizing that this is a gift. But yeah, the attention is great, females are great, they support our music so much and we are so thankful.

JM: What can the fans of MiCasa Music expect next?

MC: Like I've said before, we are at a very interesting period of our life, of our career. We are in studio, we also plan on touring the world, doing Miami, Portugal, New York possibly Brazil so there's a lot of stuff happening for us and we are also doing a lot of brand relationships. So the brand is growing as a whole, its very exciting to see. What fans can expect is live performances to be notched up to another higher level, for our image to just be on point, for another amazing album with more good music and also making them proud by achieving things like closing the AFCON finals and playing at the Inauguration Ball of President Barack Obama and getting nominated for awards. We are just going to try and keep doing that.

Quickfire (the first words that come to mind)

JM: Describe yourself in three words (or less)?  Love, peace, God

JM: Favourite place to relax? Home / game reserve in the Eastern Cape

JM: A BMW, a Mini Cooper and a Golf GTi are racing, who wins? Golf GTi

This or that?

JM: Reggae or jazz

Jazz

JM: Briefs, sleeping shorts or underpants

Briefs

JM: Beyonce or Rihanna

Beyonce