Actress Tekayha Sukuram is experiencing a significant moment in her career as she has secured roles in both a small and a large film project within just a few weeks. Currently, Sukuram is filming the e.tv series 'eGagasini: Waves of Change' while simultaneously participating in the feature film 'Sugar Cane Boy', offering South African viewers a rare opportunity to see her in two major productions at once.
Commenting on this achievement, the actress described the experience as both surreal and fulfilling. She noted that acting requires great patience, as one often has to wait months or even years for projects to be released. Sukuram expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to showcase herself on both television and in cinemas during the same period.
Sukuram emphasized that working on a television series and a feature film demanded different approaches. The series 'eGagasini', being a TV show, has a faster pace, which necessitates quick thinking and adaptability due to the large volume of filming in a short time. Meanwhile, the feature film allows more time for deep character study and attention to subtle emotional details, and the experience in both formats has helped her grow as an actress.
In the series 'eGagasini: Waves of Change', Sukuram shared the screen with experienced performers such as Gugu Gumede and Meshack Mavuso. She called the collaboration with such talented actors a priceless lesson. One of the main takeaways she gained was the importance of professionalism and preparation, inspired by observing seasoned actors who remained humble and fully engaged in every scene.
Her latest film, 'Sugar Cane Boy', is based on the renowned novel by Ruben Ndra Govender, which is studied in South African schools. Sukuram acknowledged that adapting such a beloved story placed a strong sense of responsibility upon her. She viewed it more as a responsibility than pressure, striving for readers and viewers to feel that the story was approached with care and respect.
Interestingly, the characters played by Sukuram in both productions share a similar social background. In 'eGagasini', she plays Jess, a young affluent woman accustomed to getting what she wants, while in 'Sugar Cane Boy', she portrays the adult Seyuri Murugappu, who also comes from a wealthy family.
The actress mentioned that 'Sugar Cane Boy' was one of the first projects she filmed many years ago, and it was gratifying to revisit her performance and note her progress. One of the most challenging aspects during the filming of 'eGagasini' was performing in an environment where most dialogue was conducted in isiZulu. Although Sukuram's character speaks English, many of her colleagues respond in isiZulu, which forced her to rely less on dialogue and more on emotional cues. This required greater awareness of body language, emotions, and the natural rhythm of the scene, which she felt contributed to her development.
This experience was not new. Previously, Sukuram visited Mumbai, where she participated in two Zee TV projects shot in Hindi. She believes that working on projects in an unfamiliar language can be intimidating at first, but it is also incredibly beneficial because it pushes you out of your comfort zone, strengthens your craft, and reminds you that true storytelling goes far beyond words, as emotions are universal.
As an actress born in Durban, Sukuram feels pride that her work is accessible to audiences across the country. She hopes that her journey will serve as a reminder to other young people that their dreams should not be limited by their place of origin. In the future, Sukuram plans to continue taking on significant roles and expanding her career internationally, aiming to participate in projects that leave a lasting mark and inspire others.
Tehran's art galleries feature diverse exhibitions, including sculptures and paintings by various local artists. These shows take place in different parts of the city and have specific running dates.
The CAMA – Contemporary and Modern Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of Amir Maftoun's sculptures titled 'Between Body and Mask.' This exhibition will be available to visitors until July 28th. The gallery is located at: 10th Golestan, Pasdaran St., House 44.
Additionally, the Negah gallery presents Farzaneh Mehri's sculpture exhibition titled 'Silent Witnesses.' This exhibition runs until August 9th and is located at: Jam St., Motahhari Ave., 64 Ghaffari St.
The Sohrab gallery showcases a collection of paintings by Alireza Espabood titled 'Restless Soul.' The exhibition concludes on August 3rd and is located at: 142 Somaye St.
E1 Gallery is hosting a painting exhibition by Shabnam Shabani called 'Catastrophes,' which will be shown until July 31st. The gallery is in the Elahieh area, located at: Jebeh St., opposite Lesani Alley, 1 Hamid Dad And.
Saba Hashemi displays her latest works at Bostan Gallery. Her exhibition 'Fragmentation' will run until August 4th and is located at: Larestan St., 22nd Alley, House 71.
Mohaddeseh Eivazkhani's paintings are presented at Asr Gallery. The exhibition titled 'Last Look at the Final Light' will run until August 3rd and is located at: 18 Delavis St., near North Mirzaie Shiraz St.
Sharif Gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings by Negin Taheri, Mobin Mahdian, and Ayda Maalah. Their joint exhibition 'Trio No. 17' will run until August 4th and is located at: Shariati Ave., 11 Mahroozadeh Alley, near Quds Square.
Niloufar Rakhnam is exhibiting her new paintings at Bavan Gallery. This exhibition will run until August 17th and is located at: Larestan St., 7 Abdo, near Motahhari Ave.
Shirin Gallery 2 is also holding a painting exhibition by Shadi Talei titled 'Unfinished Flowers.' The exhibition will be available until August 11th and is located at: Karim Khan Ave., 13th St., House 5.
Shir Mohammad Espandar, a distinguished Baluchistani performer on the donali instrument whose life was dedicated to preserving one of Iran's most ancient regional musical traditions, passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 98 years old.
Espandar was a significant figure in Iranian folk music. For many decades, he introduced audiences both domestically and internationally to the music of Sistan and Baluchestan, becoming a recognized master of the rare double flute, the donali.
Born in Bambur, southeastern Iran, he traveled to neighboring Pakistan during his adolescence to study traditional music before returning to Iran in 1958. In the following years, he devoted himself to protecting the Baluchi musical heritage, performing across the country and mentoring young musicians.
Espandar's mastery earned him an honorary doctorate in traditional music from France, and many considered him the last great master of the donali in Iran.
The donali is a traditional wind instrument made from two reed pipes played simultaneously. It is among the most technically complex instruments in Iranian regional music. Only a few musicians have managed to master its unique style, which requires exceptional breath control and coordination.
Following the announcement of his death, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed condolences to Espandar's family, the country's artistic community, the people of Sistan and Baluchestan, as well as fans of Iranian culture. In his statement, the President called Espandar a 'long-standing figure of Iranian regional music' and one of the main preservers of Baluchi cultural heritage.
Pezeshkian noted that the deceased musician dedicated his life to preserving, reviving, and promoting the authentic music of the region, adding that his performances transformed the sound of the donali from a local custom into a cultural value known far beyond Baluchestan. He also emphasized that Espandar's legacy will inspire future generations, describing his music as a constant symbol of peace, friendship, and Iran's rich cultural identity.
