From teacher to the SABC: the inspiring story of Fakir Hassen

'I HAVE WATCHED ALMOST EVERY INDIAN MOVIE RELEASED IN SA'

- NADIA KHAN

AT THE age of 72, Fakir Hassen has woven a rich tapestry of life experiences, showcasing the history and culture of South Africa's Indian community through his work as a reporter, and a career at the SABC that spanned more than three decades.

Hassen, who lives in Johannesburg, also wrote 37 books and is currently working on "the biggest project of my life" in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Lenasia, which was established during apartheid as a forced Indian group area.

He intends on simultaneously launching 46 books that comprise articles he wrote and published in the Lenasia Times since it was established in 1976. The books will be launched as the finale to the anniversary celebrations in November.

Hassen, a content contributor to the POST for more than 35 years, shared his journey.

Childhood

Hassen, the eldest of three children, grew up in Marabastad in Pretoria.

His paternal grandfather, Hassen Bera, came to South Africa from India.

"My paternal grandmother was born in Marabastad. My mother Jubeda's parents lived in India, and she was sent alone on a ship to South Africa to get married, which had been arranged."

His mother was a housewife and his father, Essop Hassen, was a night porter at a hotel.

"We did not spend much time with our father because he slept during the day and worked in the afternoons. However, when we spent time with him, we dressed up and went to the cinema every Saturday afternoon to watch the latest Indian movies. This is where I developed my passion for movies, and later started doing reviews for publications.

"During the week, there was not much entertainment available, because we did not have a television. However, we entertained ourselves by playing games. We played until it got dark, and only went home when our parents called us," he said.

Education