Zahra’s Hollywood experience
Durban actress sets her sights high
A22-year-old Durban presenter, actress and model has her heart set on stardom and plans to take on the South African entertainment industry after training with top Hollywood entertainers recently.
Zahra Dada, who featured on the catwalk at this year’s Durban Fashion Fair, will soon make an appearance on local screens, when she features in the movie Broken Promises 4, in a supporting role, when the flick is released next year.
“Zesty Zahra”, as she describes herself, found herself rubbing shoulders with some renowned Hollywood coaches last month.
She plans to use her improved acting skills for the benefit of the local industry and hopes it will land her plum roles on international movie sets in the future.
When she travelled to Los Angeles last month, she trained with Marki Costello, known to be one of the best hosting coaches in the world.
She also had the privilege of training at prestigious acting schools in Los Angeles, including Speiser Sturges, whose alumni includes Hollywood actors Gerard Butler and Will Smith.
“I got to attend The Hollywood Actors Showcase with Bobbie Shaw Chance and Scott Sedita Studios. I was also coached by Shannon Sturges, who recently worked on the set of the latest Fast and Furious movie,” said Dada.
Dada, who has a degree in branding and business management from the Vega School of Brand Leadership in Cape Town, said she had loved presenting and performing since she was a little girl.
“When I completed school, I decided to explore my first passion, which was the entertainment industry. I also had role models who helped me embark on this incredible journey, including my brother Razeen, an actor and previous Mr India SA.
“Danny Moodliyar, the owner of Absolute Models, has also been an important mentor,” said
Dada.
Of the future, she said:
“I am hoping to go back to Hollywood or to look into landing roles in Bollywood. I also plan to launch my own brand next year, which I am currently working on.”
Dada, who is slowly building her brand, said that her goal as an artist was to connect with her audience, and to always engage, enlighten and educate them. Promises 4. Broken