Matlaila staying in the right lane on road to stardom
Prolific actress is clear about the ‘dos and dont’s’ of the television industry
As actress Thandy Matlaila marks 12 years in the entertainment industry this year, she reflects on what has led to her longevity.
The petite actress says her plan in the industry was simple, to stay in her lane.
“When I started I wanted to be an actress and that has been my core focus for the past years,” she says.
“I look at these girls who come in and want to be ‘it’ girls and do whatever they can to make it but then a few years down the line it’s over for them.” Matlaila, 27, says she doesn’t rely on using sex appleal to make it in the industry.
“I told myself that I will not lose myself in the process of trying to make it big,” Matlaila says.
“I have a business on the side and that’s how I plan on sustaining myself.” Matlaila’s public relations company Aptitude Consulting is growing steadily with a number of brands and festivals wanting to align themselves with it.
The Soweto-born actress was first introduced to the small screen when she featured on SABC1 drama series Tshisa, alongside actors Mbali Maphumulo and Bongani Masondo.
She went on to make a name for herself, taking new roles on a number of shows including e.tv’s Rhythm City and Mzansi Magic’s The Queen.
“On the role of Cleopatra on The Queen, I just got a call from someone at Ferguson Films and they said I am wanted for the role. I have known the Fergusons for a while, but I did not think I would be in one of their big productions just like that.”
“Cleopatra is someone we all know – could be your aunt, friend, colleague – anyone around you, really. She is crazy and does things her way or the highway,” she says.
“I enjoy myself so much while playing the character. You can just tell by the way she comes in and out on the show that she is in control of everything,” Matlaila says.
“I am currently off screen, but as soon as I come back, viewers will just know it. It’s going to be very interesting this time around.”
Matlaila has been filming a new movie called Paleho, and she says to play the role she had to step out of her comfort zone .
“The one thing I love about acting is that it exposes you to cultures totally new to you.
“I had to change my entire look for this role and step into a zone I have never been before.”
Matlaila plays the role of Mmapaseka whose father, a role played by legendary actor Khotso Nkhatho of Mopheme fame, marries her younger sister to another man for money.
The movie is set to premier on Mzansi Magic tomorrow.
On real-life relationships, Matlaila says she broke up with her long-term boyfriend last year when marriage plans were in the pipeline.
“We broke up in August last year. We had been together for over nine years and we were on and off during the time. There were things that made us break up at the time and when we got back together we said we would fix them,” she says.
“It didn’t take long after we got back together and those things crept right back into our relationship and that’s when we realised that it’s best for us to go our separate ways.”
I told myself I will not lose myself in the process of making it big Thandy Matlaila ACTRESS