Stage set for illustrious career
KNOWN for his notable work as host of and on Lotus FM, and his role in the soap opera, Zaid Bhoola is at ease in front of the camera and in the spotlight.
Bhoola, 44, is multitalented in the entertainment industry, intertwining his roles as a seasoned actor and captivating radio personality.
With his voice resonating across the airwaves and his performances leaving an indelible mark on the big and small screen, he has proven his versatility in the industry.
Bhoola lives in Mount Edgecombe, north of Durban, with his wife and two children.
His passion for acting was ignited at the age of 6 when he first stepped on to the stage as a prince in a school production of
“I found every opportunity thereafter to act during my school years, and participated in speech contests, setting the stage for my illustrious career.
“When I was younger, I had many acting heroes from South African stalwarts Henry Cele, Joe ‘Sdumo’ Mafela, Tina Jaxa, Baby Cele, Desmond Dube, and Jack Devnarain, to international heroes such as Christopher Walken, Keanu Reeves, Shah Rukh Khan and Leonardo Dicaprio, whose brilliance nurtured my aspirations,” said Bhoola.
After matriculation, he pursued his passion for the arts through formal education, enrolling in courses on radio, television presenting and method acting.
Bhoola’s repertoire boasts an array of roles from portraying a supermarket supervisor in to engaging in the culinary challenge of
on SABC.
“Each role has added depth to my craft, showcasing my ability to embody characters with authenticity and flair.
“I am immersed in several exciting projects for this year, each bearing the hallmark of my dedication to serving the communities that have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.
“My primary focus revolves around initiatives aimed at giving back to these communities, utilising my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact,” he said.
“Throughout my journey,
I have encountered myriad challenges yet my resilience and commitment to reinvention have been unwavering, propelling me to new heights of success,” Bhoola said.
His journey as a presenter commenced with helming and producing a show on Greater Middelburg FM, a community radio station in Mhluzi in Middelburg.
“Hosting the afternoon show dubbed I delved into the realms of kwaito and house music, spinning tracks by artists like Arthur, Thebe, Ishmael, Oskido and DJ Fresh. It was in those moments behind the microphone that I discovered my connection to broadcasting, igniting a passion that continues to fuel my endeavours.
“I love the way I inspire and motivate listeners with music and my passion for storytelling, and ultimately moving people into a better state,” said Bhoola.
“One of the standout moments in my radio career was conducting an interview with the internationally-acclaimed artist, Jay Sean.
“This interview marked a significant highlight as my team and I promoted his New Year's Eve concert on our online radio station, Skye Radio,
Saturday which I owned and managed.
“It was a momentous occasion that underscored the culmination of dedication, passion and collaboration.
“My acting highlight has been working on
Bhoola is currently a candidate property practitioner, where he is exploring new horizons in the real estate industry.
He said he was also immersed in spearheading a transformative radio presenting and acting workshop with Naomi Mokhele of Sebabatso Media.
“Together, we aim to empower aspiring artists and future radio presenters by equipping them with invaluable insights in broadcasting, thus paying homage to the communities that have supported my journey,” said Bhoola.
“I encourage young aspiring actors to pursue their passion with boundless excitement and joy.
“Seek out institutions that can help formulate your acting skills, and most importantly, dedicate time each day to visualise yourself on stage or in front of the camera working, and receiving accolades for your exceptional work. #
“Remember, persistence and dedication are key on this exhilarating journey towards realising your dreams.”