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Fidelis Cheza and Jesesi Mungoshi on set

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
When Farayi Mungoshi and his mother Jesesi Mungoshi came up with a script for their film “Makunun’unu Maodzamoyo”, they decided to include the late legendary actor Fidelis Cheza, popularly known in the entertainment circles as Mudhara Danger or Chikwama, in their cast.

They began shooting the drama two weeks ago and Cheza died last Sunday after doing many scenes of the production.

The Mungoshis said they initially thought it was difficult to approach the icon, but were surprised with the way Cheza received them.

He agreed to take part in the production and assumed the role of Mushayazano, husband to VaChigweru played by Jesesi.

The mother has a secret plan to have their daughter Monica get married to an old man Mujubhegi because he is rich.

When it is time for Monica to get married, she refuses to get married to Mujubhegi since she finds a young suitor.

Mushayazano finds out his wife’s secret plan and a fight erupts, resulting in the wife pouring porridge on her husband.

Mushayazano is hospitalised but later runs away from the hospital only to be found dead and his body decomposing.

According to Farayi, they decided to shoot all the scenes that Cheza played two weeks ago.

“It is difficult to explain and understand that Mudhara is gone. It’s ironic that he died at this part when he ‘dies’ in the play and soon after shooting his last scenes in film,” said Farayi.

“It was honour to work with him, we used to watch him on television while we were still young. He is one of Zimbabwe’s best and directing him in a film is something else but it was easy because he was a humble man who worked well with others despite his age and experience in the industry,” he said.

On another hand Jesesi, who is well known for her lead role in the popular film ‘‘Neria’’, said she is still shocked.

“The way this happened is unbelievable and I would like to believe that Cheza’s life was a film and he played the film up to his last day,” she said.

She highlighted that she first worked with Cheza in ‘‘Neria’’ but said it was in the current production that she had a stronger relationship with him.

“I worked with him in ‘Neria’, but we did not have a strong relationship then. It was when we decided to work with him on ‘Makunun’unu Maodzamoyo’ that I started knowing him better. He had a big heart, full of love and a humble man who was talented.

“I would like to believe that in all his productions it is on ‘Makunun’unu Maodzamoyo’ that he did his best. Believe me, when that film is out people are going to understand what I mean,” she said.

Cheza died at the age of 67.

He was found dead in his bedroom at his Highfield house on Sunday evening.

His last son Tendai also has a sad story to tell.

He has lived out of the country since 2001 and decided to return home last Friday ahead of his father’s 68th birthday that was to be celebrated on November 1.

Because they had planned a surprise party, he did not go straight home and spent the weekend at a friend’s place. He said he had to leave the birthday presents he bought for his father at a friend’s house and they had to plan for the party.

He wanted to go and meet his father on Monday.

Cheza died two days after his son’s arrival unaware that he was in the country planning a birthday party.

“Everything seemed well planned, the presents including clothes were packed and I left the United States of America and landed in Zimbabwe on Friday, October 23

“We had concluded the birthday plans and I wanted to go home on Monday. I did not know the reunion was not to be and I am still in shock,” he said.

The clothes that he had bought for his father to wear on his birthday were the clothes that he wore in his coffin.