Known as Hlelo on SABC 1’s Uzalo, Nothando shared with a local magazine her journey to stardom, how auditioning can be a brutal process, and bizarre feedback she’d receive at these auditions.
HOW DID YOUR ACTING JOURNEY BEGIN AND WAS IT ALWAYS YOUR DREAM?
It’s the only thing I ever wanted to do, ever since I was a child. I think I first realised I wanted to do something in the arts when I performed in my first play in grade one. We stood on stage and people were clapping for us and I was like, ‘oh my gosh, this feels amazing! I want to do this for a living’. I performed in high school plays as well. Then I went to the Market Theatre after doing a BA in Strategic Marketing Communications degree at the University of Johannesburg. After that, the auditioning game began. I got my first role on Lingashoni that airs on One Magic. And then I landed the role of Hlelo on Uzalo.
TELL US ABOUT HLELO ON UZALO – WHAT DIFFERENCES OR SIMILARITIES EXIST BETWEEN YOU AND HER?
I'm very different from the character. My character is out of control, and she lives for now – she doesn't care about morals. As long as she gets what she wants now and she's good right now. She doesn't have any self-control or discipline. One thing we do have in common is that as much as she doesn't envision a future, she's very street smart. So, she always gets what she wants and always achieves her goal, no matter how small or big. I'm also like that, it’s just that I'm a visionary and I dream bigger. I'm focused on the things that I want to achieve in life.
SO, WOULD YOU SAY IT'S DIFFICULT TO GET INTO CHARACTER?
At first, it was very hard. But now, because I've gotten used to and I've gotten to know the character, it’s become easier. It was very challenging in the beginning because the story was very deep and heavy, but as time passed, I began to understand the kind of woman she is, and it became easier for me to portray her.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Mostly rejection; auditioning and getting rejected is so hard. People don't have time to explain why you never got the role, because it's just a fast-paced industry. The worst thing I was told in an audition was that I was too light-skinned, and my hair was too short. What am I supposed to do? [laughs] You have to just believe in yourself and soldier on and know that you have something special to offer the world.
WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION AND WHY?
My inspiration is myself, mostly, because even though I've been through many difficult things, I still managed to achieve what I've wanted to – and that's quite rare. So, every milestone that I've had to endure has made me the kind of woman that I am today.
I inspire myself with hard work, consistency, and determination. It’s something that other people lack, and every time I see myself growing, I'm inspired to just do more.
Two of my other inspirations: my mom – she is so supportive and hardworking. She's just always been there for me. Then, industry-wise, I also love Will Smith. He is top tier – everything that I want to become.
IF YOU COULD MEET A FICTIONAL CHARACTER IN REAL LIFE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I would love to meet Willy Wonka and ask him, ‘How did you come up with all of this craziness? How did you come up with it all? Where did you get all those oompa loompas that do everything?' I’d like to get in his mind.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND OR RELAX?
I read books or I'll have a glass of my favourite alcoholic beverage to settle down or I’ll just sleep. With the work that we do you need to sleep.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PLANS FOR 2022?
I would like to go into business, maybe a skincare range – do some collaborations with brands. I’d also love to do a series, a movie as well and ads. I just would love to grow.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING ACTORS AND ACTRESSES?
Just believe in yourself because it's very hard, especially with the auditioning process. If people don't see you, you still need to see yourself and focus on what you have in your mind because whatever you think about, becomes your reality.
