Actress Carishma Basday stars in the long-awaited release of proudly local feature film and sequel ‘New Material’, which will be in cinemas nationwide from this Friday (26th).
Carishma grew up in Port Shepstone before she moved to Cape Town, where she currently lives with her husband and daughter.
In New Material, much-loved character Cassim Kaif, played by Riaad Moosa, continues to ply his trade as one of South Africa’s few Muslim comedians while balancing the demands of a marriage, a young child and living in a house with his ageing parents.
Carishma plays the role of Zulfa Ahmed, Cassim’s wife.
His father, Ebrahim (Vincent Ebrahim), has reluctantly accepted his son’s chosen career for now, but it is still a simmering issue.
The sequel to the smash hit film also stars Schalk Bezuidenhout, Zakeeya Patel, Denise Newman, Kurt Schoonraad and media personality Shashi Naidoo.
Carishma said New Material has been eight years in the making and it was totally worth the wait.
“The movie is so beautiful and continues the high standard that was set in the first movie. It was so wonderful to get to work with the cast again and revisit our characters all these years later,” she said.
Carishma said the production shot for just over a month if I remember correctly, but this has been in the making for many years.
“I don’t think people realise how much time and effort it takes to write a script and then do all the million and one things to get that script shot and then packaged into the final product that we all watch and enjoy,” she said.
Carishma said moviegoers can expect a family-friendly experience full of laughs and a bit of drama.
The actress said she loved how the characters have grown and evolved. I love the comedy and that it’s done in a new, fresh way.
“The movie also has a few unexpected really emotional moments which were brought to life so beautifully by the cast. And I love that the movie is a real slice of life, no over the top glitz and glamour, just real characters and real stories that everyone can relate to.”
Carishma said life as a mother is incredible.
“I can’t believe Ayla is 18-months-old. I actually found out I was pregnant while shooting New Material! Juggling solo parenting while my husband is away and navigating a fast paced, dynamic career that demands the absolute best from me on multiple levels all at once has definitely been the most challenging thing that I’ve ever done!”
But, she said she is so so grateful for her baby girl, she is just magic and motherhood has allowed her to grow in the most phenomenal way.
“At the same time I feel so incredibly blessed to be working and booking incredible projects that allow me to do what I love,” she added.
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