5 days ago
From Port Shepstone to the Silver Screen: Catch Carishma Basday in Lucky Fish
Former South Coaster Carishma Basday stars in new film, Lucky Fish, which premiered at the Durban International Film Festival last week and opens at cinemas today (July 25).
It's a family comedy about a down-and-out sardine canning factory owner who decides to sponsor a beauty contest to increase sales.
Why would anyone want to win the title of Miss Pillay Pilchards? Best to watch and find out!
Carishma, who hails from Port Shepstone, has made a name for herself in the film industry over the years.
She is a born and bred South Coaster whose acting talents have taken her all the way from the humble town to the silver screen.
Carishma had much to say about growing up on the South Coast, and what it was like to be a student at Port Shepstone High-School (PSHS).
An interesting insight was that Carishma initially had the idea of pursuing a career in the veterinary field, as she had a deep love for animals, and actually spent much time volunteering at the local vet clinic, with Dr Dean. However, she felt she couldn't handle the death of the animals and the continuous cycle of pain it entailed.
Everything changed when drama teacher Anita Schonauer entered the picture.
Carishma had always loved the spotlight, but under Anita's guidance, she began to see acting not just as a passion, but as a real path forward.
After a Rotary exchange year in Chicago, Carishma moved to Cape Town to study acting.
The move was intimidating at first as she didn't know anyone and, for the first time in her life, she was on her own, forging her own path, but it marked the start of her professional journey.
It wasn't long until Carishma started getting roles and finding her feet in the South African entertainment industry.
In the ensuing years Carishma has become a familiar face in South African film and TV, starring in Deep End, Material, 31 Million Reasons, and hosting the SABC lifestyle show Mela.
What have been some of her favourite roles?
Her lead role in Deep End, where she played Sunitha Patel, was particularly impactful for her, as she felt empowered to play a role that encouraged women of colour to step into spaces they aren't usually in, such as surfing.
Carishma also commented on how she did most of the surfing for that movie, and hardly made use of a stunt double, which she loved.
She also reflected on her role in the movie, Material, where she found her character so intriguing and complex. She loved the input she had with the movie, and how her perspectives were considered.
Looking forward, Carishma hopes to play more roles with big impact, roles with the power to shift perspectives, and just having more fun with what she's doing.
She also recently became an ambassador for the animal foundation, FourPaws.
She said that although she didn't follow her initial career path of being a vet, she has always had a love for animals, and vowed that she will use her platform to advocate for animals.
Carishma is remarkably well rounded – she's a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, successful actress, lifestyle influencer, mom and wife.
So, upon asking how she balances it all, Carishma gave the honest answer of 'I don't!'
She then elaborated on the incredible support system around her, a husband that's beyond supportive, wonderful friends, and family.
Carishma stressed the importance of self-care and how she's now fortunate enough to choose roles based on meaning, not necessity.
Carishma ended with the beautiful sentiment of how life is full of glass balls, and plastic balls, and how important it is to know which balls to drop.
She spoke about her hometown, the South Coast, reminisced about her time here, and how although she's used to the Cape Town and its colder water, she still misses our warm Indian Ocean, the people and, of course her family, who she tries to visit during the year, and spend Christmases with them.
Carishma discussed her methods for preparing for roles, her rituals and techniques of getting into character.
Interestingly, she loves to associate a specific scent with each character, as well as creating in-depth backstories for all her roles, these techniques are some of the ways Carishma makes it easier for herself to step into character.
Carishma shared her advice for aspiring actors and actresses. She emphasised how important it is to love your craft, and that perseverance is vital for having any chance at success in the industry.
'It's not easy, and if you're only in it for the glamour and fame, you won't succeed. Passion and a genuine desire to tell unique stories and create art that people will love, that's got to be rooted deep inside of you if you want to go far.'
