Publications
Partners
Johannesburg – From business owner and reality show contestant, to theatre star, Anasia Govender does it all.
The 42-year-old mother of three – better known by her stage character, Annalakshmi – will be hosting her one-woman-show, Annalakshmi’s African Adventure in Joburg for the first time.
The hilarious musical comedy follows an Indian National taking refuge in South Africa.
Besides taking over the stage, Anasia also has her own restaurant and made it to the semi-finals of the 2017 edition of SA’s Got Talent. Chatting to The Juice she let us in on what fans can expect from the show and what she has learned from SA’s Got Talent.
Take a look below:
Tell us about the show
“The show is about an Indian National that has taken refuge in SA from her Monster-in-law. She gives her commentary on social, economic and political issues in SA.”
What should the audience expect?
“Expect a typical Indian buffet of spicy comedy, sweet melodies and red cheeks from all the laughing.”
How did you come up with the character “Annalakshmi”?
"I was very involved in a spiritual organization, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, and did edutaiment. In trying to get across the value of seeing things from another perspective, I took the story of The Three Pigs and gave the wolf’s version of the story. He was an Indian Sage and was on his way to the market when he came across a pig trying to build a house with straw. His pious, caring nature saw him go over to help the pig until his hayfever kicked in and he began sneezing so much that he blew the house down. He was a strict vegetarian and had no intention of harming the pig.
""That’s how I started doing the Indian accent and before I knew it an entire alter ego with personality, style and charisma was born. And the name 'Annalakshmi' comes from my name Anasia. Everyone called Anna for short so I just added the suffix of Lakshmi to make the persona more authentic."
You were a semi-finalist in SA’s Got Talent 2017. What has that experience taught you?
To dream my biggest dream and have faith in myself. Also that age, gender and race are differences that we see as stumbling blocks. And that in our beautiful rainbow nation, the sky is the limit and beaming with possibilities. So keep on keeping on.
You’ve also shared the stage with the likes of Joey Rasdien and Marc Lottering. Is there any other local person you would like to work with?
Local talent is outstanding and constantly on the rise. I’m interest in working with all the local talent but must admit that I would love to have chai with Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout.
(Photo: Supplied)
