Nandi Mbatha
What’s going on in your favourite actress’s head?
When Nandi Mbatha auditioned for her first TV role as troubled varsity student Simlindile “Simi” Ngema on Isithembiso (2017- current, see p29), she wasn’t convinced that she would land the part. “We are totally different,” says the 22-year- old. Unlike her character, Nandi is more of an extrovert and when she isn’t onscreen or running her lines, she’s listening to hip-hop music and dancing. “I also like to dress up, which is the last thing on Simi’s mind,” says Nandi. While Simi is preparing to be a mother after being raped by her businessman lover Banzi (Hamilton Dlamini) in February, Nandi admits that her character is toughening up. “She is growing into herself and learning about the big bad world,” although the actress would rather be catching up on her favourite shows than running the streets.
What was the first TV show you acted out
with friends? I loved playing the naïve domestic-worker-turned-businesswoman Khethiwe (Winnie Ntshaba) on Generations (1994- current). Over time, she transformed into a bold, strong and independent woman.
Who was your first TV crush? I don’t remember clearly… but I think it was singer Chris Brown who was always on TV with his music videos. What did you do when an “adult” moment came on while you were watching TV with your family? I’d suddenly get hungry and run into the kitchen to prepare a quick meal, even if I’d just eaten. What have you wanted ever since you saw it on TV? From Barbie dolls to food, I want anything that’s trendy and deemed cool.
Whose TV wardrobe do you want? Keabetswe “Kea” Khoza (Dineo Moeketsi) on The Queen (2016- current, see p30). Kea has an equal balance of fierce and classy looks with her sleek, long tresses and elegant dresses. Whose TV house would you love to live in? The Motaung family mansion on our show Isithembiso is amazing! Who holds the power of the remote in your house? The man of the house: my father. [Laughs] What shows are you fanatical about now? Comedy series Insecure (2017- current). It’s equally funny and dramatic and I love the unexpected twists.
If you worked behind the scenes, which job
would you want and why? It would have to be the role of show producer. They oversee the location and cast members, select scripts and manage everything and everyone – such a big responsibility.
What is one of your favourite plot twists from
a show? I actually love series and episodes that don’t end with happy endings. It’s a breath of fresh air seeing the hero walking into the sunset without his or her love interest on their arm.
What is your nightmare scenario while
filming? The usual actor stuff – getting nervous, talking over another actor in the scene and messing up my lines.
Which soapie character would you kill off
and why? That’s a hard one! But probably Banzi on Isithembiso because he has put my character Simi through a lot. Those scenes were tough to act out and he isn’t the nicest guy around either. How would you like your character to exit the
storyline? Just to make it clear to my bosses, I’d never want Simi to cut her journey in varsity short! But if I really had to, I would probably want her sent packing back home to rural KwaZulu-Natal and never to set foot in Joburg again. The big bad city has changed her world forever. What show and episode made you cry last? It wasn’t a TV show – I watched the DVD of superhero action movie Black Panther (2018) and it brought me to tears. As a proud African, it was a liberating feeling walking away saying “Wakanda forever!” Your favourite animated character is… Snowball the rabbit in animated film The Secret Life Of Pets (2016). He is voiced by comedy star Kevin Hart (who played a parody version of himself in mockumentary The Real Husbands Of Hollywood, 2013-2016). Kevin goes above and beyond in this role.