Private Project

Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story

Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story is an evocative documentary that delves into the remarkable life of Amichand Rajbansi, a trailblazing South African politician of Indian descent. Against the backdrop of the apartheid era's oppressive regime and the country's turbulent transition to democracy, Rajbansi's story is one of grit, determination, and unwavering ambition.

From his impoverished childhood to his emergence as a voice for the marginalized Indian community, Rajbansi earned the nickname "Bengal Tiger" for his tenacious political style. The documentary explores his political ascension within the apartheid-era House of Delegates and his controversial role in South Africa's racially segregated political system. It also examines his struggles with scandal and political opposition, painting a vivid portrait of a man who was both celebrated and criticized.

Featuring archival footage, personal interviews with family, colleagues, and critics, and expert analysis, Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story offers an intimate look at the life of a man who left an indelible mark on South African history. Through his story, the documentary illuminates the broader challenges faced by communities of color during one of the most divisive periods in the nation's history, inspiring reflection on themes of resilience, leadership, and legacy.

  • Arish Sirkissoon
    Director
    HIghway Sheila: Resurrection
  • Arish Sirkissoon
    Writer
  • Shameen Rajbansi
    Writer
  • Arish Sirkissoon
    Producer
  • Shameen Rajbansi
    Producer
  • Edwin Cole
    Producer
  • Amishka Dookie
    Producer
  • Kala Sook
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • SB Singh
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Vijay Maharaj
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Brij Ramguthee
    Key Cast
    "Himsself"
  • Narend Singh
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Priscilla Govender
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • MD Dasarath
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Dr. S'bu Ndebele
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Ishwar Ramlutchman
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Jaidev Maharaj
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Vivian Reddy
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Salma Patel
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Dr Ansuyah Moodley
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Visvin Reddy
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Seelan Archary
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Viresh Bhana
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Ram Maharaj
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Nanda Soobben
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Ashin Singh
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Margaret Govender
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Kiru Naidoo
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Ray Ramlall
    Key Cast
    "Himsekf"
  • Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Margaret Rajbally
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Aroon Edward
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Rishaad Mahomed
    Key Cast
    "Himself"
  • Shameen Rajbansi
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
  • Edwin Cole
    DOP
    HIghway Sheila: Resurrection
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    2 hours 57 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,200,000 ZAR
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • LX SETH
    Distributor
    Country: South Africa
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Arish Sirkissoon

ARISH SIRKISSOON – BIOGRAPHY
Arish Sirkissoon, professionally known as LX Seth, is a prominent and versatile figure in the music and film industry, based in Durban, South Africa. His journey into the world of entertainment began at an astonishingly young age when he signed a pivotal contract with T-Series India, a powerhouse in the Indian movie and music industry.
Music Career LX Seth's illustrious career is marked by a series of chart-topping singles that have garnered widespread acclaim. His musical talents are complemented by his foray into film production, where he has taken on pivotal roles in various feature films, television shows, talk shows, and music videos.
Notable Filmography Feature Films
The Curse of Highway Sheila (2013): Arish Sirkissoon served as both producer and composer for this captivating film, distributed by VideoVision Entertainment.
Tokoloshe: The Calling (2020): His diverse roles included writer, producer, executive producer, editor, composer, and even an acting role. The film found distribution through VideoVision Entertainment in South Africa and Terror Films worldwide.
The Castle (2022): As director, writer, producer, executive producer, editor, and composer, Arish Sirkissoon made a significant impact. The film was distributed by Nu Metro, Cine Centre, and Terror Films.
You're Next (2023): Arish Sirkissoon assumed the roles of director, writer, producer, executive producer, editor, and composer for this cinematic endeavor. The film reached audiences through Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro, Cine Centre, Amazon Prime, and was released theatrically in South Africa and Zambia.
Highway Sheila: Resurrection (2024): Sirkissoon is set to release the much-anticipated movie 'Highway Sheila: Resurrection' on June 14th 2024. The movie will be released cinematically on 22 screens around the country. Sirkissoon has written, directed, and produced the feature film.

Awards and Recognitions Arish Sirkissoon's exceptional work has garnered significant recognition, including six Simon Sabela Awards nominations. Notable achievements include a Best Supporting Actor win for Sir Roelof Twijnstra and a Best Director win for Richard Green for their work on "Tokoloshe: The Calling." His films have also earned selection at prestigious film festivals such as the Durban International Film Festival, the African International Horror Festival, and the esteemed Catskill Festival in New York, which featured his film "You're Next."
Television Shows Arish Sirkissoon's creative talents extend to the realm of television, where he has demonstrated his prowess as director, writer, producer, composer, and more. His contributions include shows like "Dining and Vibing in SA" (2022) and "Tess 'The Psychic Medium" (2022).
Documentaries and Talk Shows In 2024, Arish Sirkissoon is set to direct and co-write a documentary alongside Shameen Thakur Rajbansi, highlighting the life and contributions of Minority Front Leader Amichand Rajbansi.
Educational Background Arish Sirkissoon's academic journey is equally impressive, boasting degrees in Bachelor of Social Science, Honours in Psychology, and an MBA.
Arish Sirkissoon continues to be a driving force in the entertainment industry. His unique blend of talent, creativity, and dedication captivates audiences worldwide, making him a prominent figure in the field.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a filmmaker, I have always been drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of human resilience and leadership. Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story is one such tale, a narrative that transcends political boundaries to illuminate the life of a man who profoundly impacted South Africa’s socio-political landscape. Amichand Rajbansi, known as the "Bengal Tiger," was a figure of both admiration and controversy, embodying the struggles and triumphs of a marginalized community during a turbulent era.

This documentary is not merely a recounting of his life but a deep exploration of his legacy—what he represented to the South African Indian community during apartheid and what his story means for us today. Through candid interviews, rare archival footage, and an unflinching lens, the film seeks to present a balanced portrayal of a leader who operated within a deeply flawed system but whose efforts undeniably shaped history.

As a South African of Indian descent, this project resonates personally with me. It is an opportunity to preserve an important chapter of our history while sparking conversations about representation, leadership, and the challenges of navigating systemic oppression. I am committed to creating a documentary that is fair, informative, and impactful, ensuring that Rajbansi’s legacy is remembered, debated, and learned from by generations to come.

With Bengal Tiger - The Rajbansi Story, my hope is to contribute to the growing body of South African films that explore the nuances of our shared history while highlighting the enduring spirit of those who fought to shape a better future.

- Arish Sirkissoon