Aunty Sheila's Theshen Naicker celebrates Diwali with new play and movie
Theshen Naicker, known for his alter ego as Aunty Sheila
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Renowned South African performer,
Theshen Naicker, known for his alter ego as Aunty Sheila, has a lot to celebrate and be thankful for this Diwali.
The Durban performer is embracing the festive spirit with the release of his movie and the opening of his theatrical play.
Naicker, who absolutely loves Diwali, said he was very thankful this year to celebrate two major achievements, first his play, The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth, and his first film as producer and director, My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding.
The movie will release in cinemas in December.
His production, The Rich Housewives of Chatsworth is a comedic play which explores the extravagant lifestyles of affluent housewives in the Chatsworth community. It is being performed on November 29 at the Globe at Suncoast.
Naicker is looking forward to celebrating Diwali tomorrow and launching his movie this week.
He said he will begin the Diwali festivities with a grand prayer in the morning, giving thanks to God for his abundant blessings.
"My morning will begin with the ritual three-kind oil bath. Then a hawan at our Jandha and our prayer for Luxmi at home.
"I will spend the day visiting family and celebrating with the people I love in my life. For me what I enjoy most about Diwali is our family coming together in the spirit of love and celebrating good over evil and always remembering that light will always triumph over darkness," said Naicker.
His sentiment encapsulates the heart of the festival, where the triumph of light over darkness is paramount.
"The laughter in our homes, the pure joy and the smell of delicious food and sweetmeats is so enjoyable," he said.
Naicker also embraces his culinary skills during this festive time by making some sweetmeats as offerings for his prayer.
"I love knowing that my hands physically made my prayer offering with much love. For Diwali parcels I generally go with bought items in Diwali inspired packaging. I try to stay away from sweetmeats and traditional biscuits and usually strive for a new experience of flavour each year," he said.
In sharing his message to those celebrating Diwali, Naicker reflected on the teachings of Lord Ram.
"Let us remember what Lord Ram stood for. He was truthful and righteous. Always doing the right thing even when nobody was watching.
"Don't let darkness break your spirit, always remember light will always find its way to you. This is the law of the universe," said Naicker.
With the stage set for excitement both on the theatrical front and in cinemas, Naicker's Diwali this year is not just a celebration of light and joy but also a remarkable chapter in his artistic journey.