When Zinhle Zuma was presented with the opportunity to portray a s.e.x worker on screen, she faced a dilemma. The prospect of taking on such a role seemed to carry the risk of tarnishing her image and reputation.
Even her family expressed their disapproval, concerned about the potential impact of her portrayal of a s.ex worker in the production Smoke and Mirrors.
However, Zinhle Zuma, known for her determination and fearlessness, decided to embrace the challenge.
She has always been inclined to push herself beyond her comfort zone, and this was no exception. Despite initial reservations, she ultimately chose to take on the role, much to the surprise of her family.
Recalling the initial discussions with her agency, Zinhle admitted that she had been reluctant to accept the role of a s.e.x worker.
However, her perspective shifted as she deliberated on the potential growth and artistic exploration the role could offer. “I always take on challenges and don’t like being comfortable. Hence, I took the role,” Zinhle explained, emphasizing her inclination towards embracing challenges that propel her out of her comfort zone.
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Despite the 25-year-old actress’ awareness that the portrayal of such characters is a performance, she acknowledged that not everyone perceives it as such.
She revealed that while some individuals understand the distinction between an actor and their on-screen persona, others struggle to separate the two. This dichotomy in perception created a divide in the reactions she received, particularly from her family.
Zinhle shared the conflicting responses from her family members, stating, “Not everyone understands. My brothers didn’t like me playing the character.
They said it wouldn’t work. My mum and her friends have been supportive because they know I’m not that kind of a person.” This glimpse into her family dynamics highlights the complexities she faced in reconciling her artistic choices with familial expectations.
For Zinhle Zuma, the world of acting represents the realization of a childhood dream. Growing up, she avidly watched the popular television series Generations, aspiring to emulate the character of Karabo Moroka.
Despite harbouring a passion for acting, she initially concealed her aspirations, feigning an interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
Reflecting on this period, she humorously confessed, “I said I want to be a doctor, but secretly I knew I was horrible at maths, and it would be difficult for me to do medicine.”
As she embarked on her acting journey, Zinhle Zuma discovered her profound desire to weave narratives and leave a positive impact on her audience. Expressing her mission, she articulated, “I wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives.
I wanted young girls out there to look at me and say I changed their lives.” This aspiration underscores her commitment to leveraging her platform as an actress to inspire and empower others.
Furthermore, Zinhle shed light on her immersive approach to portraying characters, unveiling her ability to embody an alter ego when stepping into a role. “Once I do a certain role, I change and become it,” she disclosed, offering a glimpse into her process of transformation and immersion in the characters she portrays.
As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry, Zinhle Zuma remains steadfast in her dedication to storytelling and using her craft as a conduit for positive change.
