How model Mbatha got lead role on Isithembiso
Part of Simi proves emotionally taxing
Actress Nandi Mbatha had her mind set on her studies when she came to Johannesburg three years ago. But a year later, the Newcastle-born, KwaZulu-Natal, lass felt bored and dumped her political studies for a career in modelling and acting.
Fast-forward to 2018 and Mbatha is a star of Isithembiso, the Mzansi Magic telenovela that is flighted weekdays.
She portrays the tricky character of Simi, a naive rural girl who came to Joburg to study medicine. Having come from humble beginnings, Jozi taught Simi life the hard way.
At the moment, viewers see Simi as she struggles to accept that she is pregnant from Banzi. She is still dealing with her rape, and the fact that the culprit is in jail.
Mbatha admits that portraying Simi has been emotionally taxing. “Simi is embarrassed to tell her grandmother about her pregnancy, since her mother also became pregnant at a young age,” she says.
“It is actually challenging for me to portray Simi at the moment because I don’t support most of the stuff that she has done. She is too emotional and cries a lot. But it is the challenge that I enjoy and I am excited about.”
The 21-year-old who had no experience when she landed the role last year, says it took time and patience to master the emotional scenes.
Mbatha, who is also studying law through Unisa, says she never thought that one day she would be an actress.
She says after dropping her studies she focused on modelling.
She says she saw an advert on social media, where directors were looking for someone to play a lead role on the telenovela and decided to try it out.
“I went there for experience. I guess the innocent look that I have sold me most, because we have similarities with Simi, but she is naive.”