Film celebrates life of promoter, cultural activist Pinky Mothie
The highly anticipated Never Give Up" a film celebrating the life of revered promoter and cultural activist Pinky Mothie, premiered on Friday.
Written by Sarah Mahabir and produced by YFDP and Big M Productions, Never Give Up is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Pinky Mothie, a cultural icon who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape of South Africa.
Mothie, who hails from Northdene and later moved to Shallcross following her marriage to renowned show promoter D Mothie, currently lives in Morningside.
With a passion for culture and the stage ingrained in her upbringing, the 73-year-old Mothie shared her journey: "I was born into a music and cultural family. My dad, Gokul Rambharose, and my siblings were among the founder members of the Divine Life Society. After marrying D Mothie, a celebrated show producer, I became deeply involved in his extravagant productions."
Mothie and her husband initiated numerous events, such as the Eastern Band and Sari Queen contests, which became eagerly awaited annual gatherings at the Durban City Hall. The Artes Awards, featuring leading singers and dancers, also became a cherished tradition.
The idea for Never Give Up began to take shape in 2016.
Mothie explained, “We decided to create this film to offer hope and inspiration to women, urging them to 'never give up.' The primary inspiration behind the movie was D Mothie's vision of collaborating with India and South Africa in a feature film.”
The film boasts an impressive cast, with Mothie’s son Rajiv playing himself and his father, and global star Akshay Laxman from Mumbai taking on the role of Danny, Pinky Mothie's brother. Samvedhna Suwalka, known for her role in the Amazon web series Jee Karda, plays Pinky Mothie, while Sama Award winner Pranesh Maharaj portrays her father. Tanya Gibbs shines as the film's item song star.
Amit Chheda, acclaimed for his work with movie star Paresh Rawal in Road to Sargam, was chosen to direct Never Give Up.
Mothie recounted how, in 2018, her film, initially titled Memoir of Pinky Mothie, was screened in Mumbai. Originally intended to launch in South Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay in its release. It is currently showing at various movie houses.
Never Give Up is not only a cinematic celebration of Pinky Mothie's remarkable journey but also a testament to the power of determination, cultural activism, and the enduring spirit of never giving up in the face of adversity.
