Mohale Motaung is excited about having had the chance to show off his acting skills with his role on etv's The Black Door.
Mohale played the role of Mo Jack, a patron at a strip club, in the risqué telenovela set in the high-class world of a pleasure dome brothel.
“The other characters I've played are very much reserved, not far from Mohale. But with this particular character, I had to really step out of my comfort zone because I am a party man, I like the strip club. Mentally and emotionally, I had to prepare myself for that,” he told TshisaLIVE, while on a break in the UAE.
Initially, Mohale was set to make a cameo as himself on the show, but the reality TV star and businessman said he preferred to challenge himself and expand his acting portfolio.
“We wanted longevity for the character. If I go in as Mohale then the character can only be for that particular time. For the storyline to continue and the character to grow, we had to move away from Mohale, and it allowed me to show my other sides.”
Speaking of how he prepared for the role Mohale, who has starred in MTV Shuga and Rhythm City among other productions, said he had veteran actress Camilla Waldman to thank.
“I've had a lot of sessions with her, even before. When I go to auditions I go and see her. She's really my mentor in the acting industry, I remember she helped me prepare for the Rhythm City audition and I bagged that role.”
Beyond being in front of the camera, Mohale says he's working towards telling stories from the producer's chair, and inspiring the youth.
“I want to get into more of the behind-the-scenes kind of thing, instead of being in front of the camera. I've been working closely with television producers behind the scene. I love telling stories. I want to tell stories that inspire other people,”
Mohale has been in his bag this year. He is also gearing to launch a unisex bag range and his skincare line soon.
“What's important for me is to always just do my work the best way possible and let my work speak for itself. I think that's how I want to document myself in the space. To be an inspiration for young people and make young people know that they can be whatever they want without the pressure of what society wants them to do.”
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