Chauke role fulfilment of a dream for Mabaso
TV and film star Mduduzi Mabaso has finally landed the role he has been longing to play for years.
He always wanted to portray a famous person, whether in a film or drama, and it finally came in the form of Collen Chauke.
Mabaso plays the role of the late heist kingpin in the new film,
The film that is still in production features stars such as Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Thami Mngqolo and Pearl Modiadie.
Chauke became infamous when he was arrested in connection with a R12.6-million robbery from the SBV cash depot in Pretoria in October 1997.
For Mabaso, famous for his role in e.tv soapie this character has taken him out of his comfort zone.
He says it is an honour for him to play one of the most fearless men of his time.
“I always wanted to play someone who is known, whether a priest or a politician. I always wanted a role where people will look at my portrayal and see that I gave it my all.
“I got the script five years ago, and it changed many times before it became the final.”
Mabaso urges South Africans to go and see the film once it’s out because they will understand Chauke better. He says seeks to reveal a different person to the one the public met.
He says the research done while preparing the film revealed that Chauke was a selfless Robin Hoodesque man who shared his resources with orphanages in Pretoria.
“According to the research, he was a calm and easy guy and respected women. He was very romantic though he had many girlfriends.
“He committed all the crimes to feed those hungry stomachs. That is why he was known as a Robin Hood of the townships. To me he was not a
he wanted to make a difference and to do it his way. ”
Mabaso says research further revealed that Chauke, who was a councillor in Winterveld, north of Pretoria, earned R1 500 and shared that money with the poor.
“In our eyes, Chauke was a monster, but he was just a giving person. On the other side, he was changing men’s attitudes towards women. He wanted women to be loved and respected.”
Switching back to his role as Suffocate on Mabaso says the character has been stretched in the past months. He has been struggling to cope in his polygamous marriage to Puleng and Nicky. The catty relationship between the two women drives him up the wall.
Mabaso says the polygamous story line added a zing to the show.
“I respect men who have more women, especially in one space. When they live separately, you react differently, and your emotions are at a certain place.”
Mabaso, who has been playing Suffocate for 10 years, admits that his interest is waning. He says over the years the character has changed and it has been diluted to the point that he did not recognise it.
“Sometimes you wonder if you are playing the role for the sake of money. If it’s the case, you are not doing justice to it. I have lost interest a bit.”
The man who has not done theatre for a long time would like to challenge himself and portray a gay man one day. He believes playing different roles showcases an actor’s versatility.
“You need to be versatile as an actor. I love what Warren Masemola is doing. He can play everything. I want people to see myself in that level.”