To Zulu land, with luck & love

Actress B Jayashree was in South Africa in March to shoot for the film Lucky directed by London-based film-maker Avie Luthra. The film, appreciated at the Toronto and Bangalore film festivals and slated to be screened in London, depicts the relationship between Indians and South Africans in a post-Mandela context, with Jayashree, an Indian, who acts as Padma, taking care of a black Zulu boy thrown out of his family after his mother contracts AIDS.Jayashree shares her experiences in South Africa with TOI.
What was the mood when you arrived in South Africa?
I was in for a surprise when I landed at Johannesburg — a lady offered me an offbeat range of gifts — mehndi oil, cream, soap and fruits and then a schedule of my shooting, all from Avie Luthra. After checking in, we were off on a three-hour journey to the shooting location in villages around Johannesburg. As soon as I got down from the car, a young boy ran towards me, hugging me and saying 'Padma'. For a moment I wondered why, but then realised Padma was my character's name in the film.
What was the shooting atmosphere and schedule?
I was in South Africa from March 20 to April 19.We shot for 23 days and worked 16 hours a day. No one rested in those hours.
How did the South African and the Indian artistes get along?
As soon as I arrived, I was introduced to four artistes from South Africa who were also theatre persons. We hit it off straightaway, aware that we were bringing our theatre experience to film. We spoke different languages, but the feelings we had about work and each other were affinity and respect.
How was the interaction with the young boy actor?
He was very sweet. I replied in English to his many questions in Zulu. A man who knew a bit of both would coast us through the conversation. I gifted him our Channapatna dolls and top. He was thrilled by the top's spin.We had a few hearty laughs over some things.
What kind of social structure did you see there?
I understood that the blacks led a very difficult economic life. Scores of blacks would sit on the footpaths at 5am, waiting for anyone to hire them for menial jobs that would give them a wage that day. I also saw a lot of whites' houses with high walls and electric fences. This showed the intense economic divide. Once when I was on a stroll early in the morning, some policemen passing by told me not to wear jewellery as it was dangerous to do so. I was only wearing earrings, but it was a hint about everyday life in South Africa.
What did you learn from their work ethic?
Discipline, professionalism and punctuality. Every person knows exactly what to do and when. Every shot is clearly explained. The clarity and conviction of purpose is refreshing.
What should we take away from cross-culture interactions like yours?
That if you love a person, no matter what his/her colour, culture and country, you will get love in return.