Dr Kajal Lutchminarian has embraced her creative side and will soon light up the big screen in The Cane Cutter, a film about indentured labourers in South Africa.
Dr Kajal Lutchminarian, known fondly by her patients as Dr Klutch, is a well-known plastic surgeon who splits her time between Mount Edgecombe and Durban. Besides being a doctor, she’s a poet and passionate foodie with a deep appreciation for the arts. When she stumbled across the chance to star in a local film, she jumped at the opportunity.
What inspired you to take on the role in The Cane Cutter?
I was driving to work one morning and heard an ad on the radio for auditions for a lead actress in an upcoming movie about Indians in South Africa. It sparked my interest and as I turned the volume up, I heard about the modern-day love story with facts about our history intertwined into the plot. I got home that night and along with hundreds of other entries, submitted a WhatsApp video audition. After being shortlisted from that process, we participated in a full-day master class. From there, everything else fell into place.
How does the film’s focus on South African Indian heritage resonate with you personally?
This film resonates deeply with me as a South African Indian because, without giving anything away, it reflects a part of our own stories. I see myself and the people that I know in it. In the past, Indian films in South African cinema, including Bollywood, have often been caricatured, focusing primarily on the vibrant colours, delicious food, dance and music. While these elements are beautiful, they don’t capture the full essence of who we are. We are so much more than the curry, the colourful outfits or the cultural dances.
Can you share any challenges or memorable experiences you had while filming?
The most incredible challenge we faced was filming this movie within just two and a half weeks on a micro budget. This created unique and unusual circumstances for a film set. Typically, a costume and wardrobe designer would be present, but due to budget constraints, we had to provide our own costumes. While this was certainly a challenge, it sparked my creativity, allowing me to immerse myself in the character and choose the wardrobe that best suited each moment.
I vividly remember the experience of fully immersing myself in another person’s mind, heart, and life, completely embodying a different character and letting go of my own self. I thoroughly enjoyed that process. When the director called “action”, I felt transformed into someone else, which was both powerful and beautiful.
Beyond the creative process of acting, I cherished the opportunity to meet wonderful artists, people who were true creatives – cast and crew members whom I would never have encountered in my daily life.
How did you balance your demanding medical career with the filming schedule?
Initially, I wondered what my patients would think about their plastic surgeon appearing in a movie! However, when I returned to work, both staff and patients greeted the news with enthusiasm. They were genuinely excited for me and curious about the process. This experience proved that pursuing your passions can lead to support and encouragement from the right people, who not only embrace your endeavours but also help elevate them.
My father always taught me that if you truly want to accomplish something, you should focus your mind and get it done. That’s a principle I firmly believe in. No one is ever too busy; if you genuinely want to do something, you’ll find the time for it. Fortunately, my shooting schedule only required me to take two and a half weeks off from work; a sacrifice I was willing to make.
What was deeply therapeutic for me was that, on set, I was not a plastic surgeon. In the operating room, I control everything, from the temperature and instruments to the surgical field and incision. My role requires complete control, with the team supporting that process. However, on set, I had to leave that mindset behind and embrace a different role. As an actress, I needed to be vulnerable and trust others to handle my hair, makeup and direction. By surrendering to the process and allowing myself to fully engage in the role, I experienced true creative magic.
How do you think The Cane Cutter will contribute to the understanding of South African Indian heritage among audiences?
The characters are relatable, and anyone can see themselves in their stories. I also believe the story is brilliantly conceived, blending a modern-day love story with historical insights about Indian indentured labourers in South Africa. Some scenes are deeply moving, offering a profound look into the hardships our ancestors endured and the generational trauma that has been passed down as a result. While I believe the older generation will appreciate it, I think the younger viewers will enjoy it the most. It’s a beautiful narrative that offers something for everyone to connect with and learn from.
Details: IG: @klutchplasticsurgery; @the_cane_cutter
Text: Jennifer Campbell
Photographs: Shren Media
Makeup: Michelle Haywood
Location: The Grand Exotic
