PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Indenture to Royalty
A powerful new South African documentary chronicles the life of Africa’s first Indian‑origin Zulu Prince, Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu
DURBAN:
Ryan Logie Productions, in association with India’s global Zee TV, has announced the release of From Indenture to Royalty — a stirring South African documentary that explores nation‑building, social cohesion, and the spirit of ubuntu through the extraordinary life of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.
The documentary will premiere at the Bon Hotel, Richards Bay, this Saturday, coinciding with Prince Ishwar’s 50th birthday celebrations.
“We are thrilled to launch this documentary honouring Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu’s remarkable life and legacy,” said Ryan Logie Productions and Zee TV.
“His journey is a testament to resilience, service, and the power of unity. It is deeply South African — a story of healing, identity, and hope.”
Adopted by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Prince Ishwar has become a respected symbol of shared identity and reconciliation.
His humanitarian work — including the internationally recognised Sivananda Peace Pillars — has strengthened bonds between Zulu and Indian communities and advanced the values of peace, dignity, and collective upliftment across KwaZulu‑Natal.
A Life That Bridges Cultures:
From Indenture to Royalty traces Prince Ishwar’s journey from his ancestral heritage to his adoption into Zulu royalty, highlighting his decades‑long commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, yoga, and grassroots development.
Production head Ryan Logie received Prince Ishwar’s blessing to bring his life story to screen, with Zee TV giving the green light for a national broadcast aligned with the Prince’s golden milestone.
A South African Story for the Nation: More than a biography, the documentary reflects South Africa’s broader narrative — honouring the past, celebrating unity in the present, and envisioning a future shaped by compassion and community. Ryan Logie Productions and Zee TV invite audiences across South Africa and the global Zulu and Indian diaspora to experience this inspiring portrait of a man devoted to uplifting others.
Glowing messages from KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, in Pietermaritzburg, to Dr Thomas Abraham, founding chairman of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) of which Ramlutchman is the newly-elected Africa coordinator – have been conveyed and publicised this week, ranging from a “rare symbol of shared identity and reconciliation in modern South Africa” to “from heritage to royalty, his journey reflects the resilience and generosity of the human spirit” to “Prince Ishwar’s work reminds us that unity is not an ideal — it is a daily practice.
”About the documentary, said a commentator:
“A powerful portrait of a man who has made service his life’s calling. A South African story that honours the past and inspires the future. This film is a celebration of ubuntu, identity, and the courage to uplift others.”
About the Documentary:
From Indenture to Royalty explores the life of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu — from his cultural roots and adoption into Zulu royalty to his ongoing work in peacebuilding, philanthropy, and social cohesion.
Media Enquiries / Interviews / Screening Requests: Ryan Logie Productions (in association with Zee TV) Tel: 083 357 8747