Durban’s rising USA star

DIOLAN Govender could be the next great Hollywood actor.

The 12-year-old Durban lad recently returned from the United States where he received rave reviews at an international talent contest, the Applause Rising Talent

Showcase.

The competition was held in Orlando and those auditioning had to showcase their talents in front of casting agents from renowned labels, including Sony BMG, Atlantic Records, Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Nickelodeon and Tyler Perry Studios. At the contest, Govender won four awards. The first was for a television commercial category. The other accolades were for placing in the Top 10 for improvisation, dancing and overall excellent performance.

“The castings were for all age groups, whether you were five or 66. The competition was really tough as there were over 300 people auditioning. But I still managed to come out tops,” said Govender.

The youngster travelled overseas with his parents last month for five days of auditions.

“I managed to get 11 call-backs from casting agents, including Nickelodeon and Disney. This means they are interested in my talents and are considering having me join their stellar agencies.”

While there, he met Disney stars and received standing ovations from them.

“I met Abbie Cobb from the Disney Channel’s Star Struck and Mom’s Night Out and Matthew Scott from So Random.”

On the plane ride back from the US, he met South African actor-singer Steve Hofmeyr.

“I told him about my auditions and he said he was pleased to hear I was entering show business. He advised me to persevere until I get all that I wished for.” Govender said his dream had come true. He could star in a US production – but there is a downside.

The Grade 7 pupil at Northlands Primary School would need to relocate to the US to secure jobs.

“Garth Lester, an agent from Nickelodeon, said he had high hopes for me and wanted me to move to Los Angeles as soon as I could. However, this is a big decision and my parents and I are still thinking about this. I don’t want to relocate just yet as I want to complete Grade 7 and then perhaps consider doing high school in LA.” The talented teen also won a scholarship to the New York Film Academy when he turns 18 and scooped a summer camp trip around the US to learn more about acting.

He encouraged more young people to follow their dreams as nothing was impossible.

His father, Christy, who owns an accounting practice, said he was proud to have a son who was driven and talented, while his mom, Devi, CEO of the practice , said her little boy

was a star on the horizon. When asked about the possibility of relocating to the US, they said there was a lot to consider before making the move.