Debashine Thangevelo
After almost a decade on TV with SABC2’s Eastern Mosaic and, more recently, Mela, Jailoshini Naidoo will be leaving to join radio as Lotus FM’s new Weekend Lift-off presenter.
The TV presenter, actress and comedienne is a household name in South Africa and has been synonymous with SABC2’s long-running Eastern Mosaic, which has now been replaced by Mela. Of course, that’s aside from her slew of comedy shows.
Recalling her journey with Eastern Mosaic, she says: “It’s been about nine years that I have been on the show. It started quite by chance, actually. I was the female lead in Jimbo, which was held at The Playhouse in Durban. It was one of my favourite shows – I played an older, coloured hobo called Natasha. Eastern Mosaic happened to be covering it and interviewed me about my character. When Imraan Vagar edited the footage, he liked my interview and thought I had potential and brought it to the attention of Saira Essa (producer). They asked me to audition and the following week, I was on air under both their guidance and mentorship.”
Her unassuming nature certainly charmed viewers, especially with the warmth she exuded.
And she has had numerous highlights along the way.
“There are too many to mention,” she laughs. “But, the ones that come to mind are: the IIFA’s (International Indian Film Academy awards – the Bollywood equivalent of the Oscars), which took place all over the world; interviewing stars like the Kapoor family, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Hillary Swank, Cuba Gooding jr…the list is endless. I’ve also interacted with icons in other walks of life, presidents and ministers to science, people doing amazing things in the country.
“The community shots, where I have interacted with the less fortunate, will always be special to me. Just helping create awareness and bringing some light to their lives. It’s heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time, to see them smile.”
On joining Mela, which embraces those cultural elements but offers a completely different feel that viewers will either love or hate, Naidoo admits: “Change is not always easy. But I’m always up for a challenge. I’ve always given my total commitment to anything I have undertaken. This was no exception. Having said that, I also believe in staying true to myself. And I would like to concentrate on other projects that I feel passionate about. It’s very important not to stagnate so it’s new and exciting times for me and my production company. We have many shows on the way.”
But while one chapter closes for Naidoo, who counts her blessings for all she has had and for the support from fans, another opens.
“Weekend Lift-off will be a new and exciting challenge for me and one I’m thoroughly looking forward to,” she confirms.
“I will be more regular on stage with my new comedy shows and will be holding workshops on TV presenting. I wish Mela all the very best and would like to thank Saira Essa, Imraan Vagar and Mark Corlett – they have become family to me.”
And it looks like 2015 is going to a great turning point for Naidoo – and a busy one, at that. Wishing this TV darling all the best!