Do you feel like the queen of soapies, having starred in four of South Africa's most popular daily soapies, Egoli, Generations, Scandal and Isidingo?
Queen, I don't know, a mother is more like it. My debut in a local soapie was in Egoli as a tenant in the block of flats called Marlborough Mansions. I later starred in Generations as Devan's (Strini Pillai) mom, in Scandal as Nadia's (Sorisha Naidoo) mom and now in Isidingo as Rajesh Kumar's (Jack Devnarain) mom.
What was your first acting role and when?
In 1986, I landed my first role in the TV production Web of Persuasion. I played Maya Singh, the mother of a girl whose marriage had been arranged.
Before getting into acting what career were you in?
I was always a schoolteacher. I taught in Durban, Australia, Canada and Zambia. I moved to Zambia in 1964, as there was an exodus of teachers there at the time. While in Zambia, I was involved in a train accident, which left me wheel- chair-bound for a year.
How did you get into acting?
Acting came by chance. Teaching was my passion. Upon my return to South Africa in 1986, I had been looking for a job and my sister, Lalitha Naicker, saw an ad in the paper looking for people to audition for a TV production. Since then, I have played more than 30 roles. I have been in feature films, adverts, TV series, soapies and documentaries.
Some of the productions you have starred in?
Horoscopes, The World Unseen, Codename Vengeance, Ninja 2, Making of the Mahatma, Teacher Training, The Res and Last House on the Left.
What has been the most common role you have played?
Mother or grandmother. I go for castings whenever there is a need for a 55 to 65-year-old woman. It makes me feel good and young when I get the roles. I feel blessed at 71 to be still working and able to play a 55-year-old. I never thought I would still be doing this.
Which was your best role?
I can't think of one in particular. All the roles have been different, although I am still waiting for that juicy role. I would like to play a sane woman who becomes insane.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy the people I work with. Over the years I have met hundreds of cast and crew members. It has been a beautiful interaction. Every production set is different.
Any embarrassing moments or boo-boos?
Not yet. That tells you I want to continue working.
Advice to someone who wants to be part of your industry?
You must be passionate about acting and have the ability to work with different people and adapt to the styles of different producers and directors. And you have to have an agent as the industry is very big. I used to get into such a knot if I didn't get a part. I eventually realised it wasn't what you have to offer but what the director wants of you. Sometimes they could be looking for a person with a crooked nose.
Who has made the biggest impact in your life?
My family. They have stood by me during some of my most horrid times.
What inspires and motivates you?
I keep living life to the fullest, never thinking about my age. I always want to be healthy - that is anyone's greatest asset
What do you feel you still need to accomplish in your job and life?
I would love to play a challenging role. I believe I am able to do almost anything within my reach. I never thought I could act and I still don't know if I can (she laughed).
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy writing, especially poet- ry. Five of my poems have been published by the Poetry Institute of SA. I am also writing my bio- graphy.
Food you cannot say no to?
Chicken curry. Actually, I ain't fussy. I love all types of food.
What are some of your pet hates?
Dishonesty in people.
Are you married and how many children do you have?
I am divorced and do not have any children of my own. But I have had many children during my teaching years and now while acting.
Do you follow any daytime soapie?
No, I'm not an ardent TV person. I watch soapies because of the people I've worked with. I don't follow any particular soap opera, but at the moment I am watching Isidingo because I am in it.
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