Nandi reaps rewards for dropping out
Law studies were delaying her actress dream
Sometimes you need to be brave enough to follow your passion or talent at the expense of education or what your family wants you to become.
This happened to 30 year old Nandi Khumalo, who in 2006 dropped her law studies with the University of South Africa to follow her dream of being an actress.
Though her choice seemed precarious then, it is now beginning to yield results.
“I know it was a gamble [to drop out of varsity] but people must (follow) their dreams.”
Khumalo was bitten by the creative bug in 1995 when she went to her first audition.
It may have taken some time to reap the rewards, but she said she does not regret choosing entertainment.
“I am a natural entertainer,” she says.
“I believe you must do what you love.”
The Ulundi-born, KwaZuluNatal, entertainer has featured in film productions such as Dali and Death at a Funeral which showed on e.tv and Mzansi Magic.
The latter was her first acting gig, in which she played a nurse.
After these career moves, Khumalo resumed her studies at Creative Art College in Durban, to study film production.
She also works part time as a project manager at Nyachengos video productions
She says quitting her law studies did not sit well with her uncle who helped pay for her education.
“My uncle disowned me when I dropped out of the university to pursue this career,” recalls Khumalo.
“I have made a lot of sacrifices but my ultimate dream is to secure a leading role in one of SA’s big soapies. (And) my family is now supporting me.
“My role model is Thembi Nyandeni who plays Mkabayi in Isibaya on Mzansi Magic. I aspire to be a strong woman who is an idol to young girls.”
‘‘ I have made a lot of sacrifices; my family is now backing me