Thahira Syed's debut on Backstage as Vulindlela College's dynamic new acting coach, Naomi Singh, will take the popular e.tv daily drama by storm.
If the name Thahira Syed sounds familiar, it should. The actress first starred in the SABC1 soapie Generations. She left at a time when many of the soapie's female cast members, including Faye Peters and Abena Ayivor, also departed the show.
Thahira took a year off from the industry to continue her studies. She also did a stint with Crossing The Line and a number of commercials.
This well-known performer has an honours degree in drama and is a recognised face on South African television. Most recently, she also appeared on e.tv's Scandal.
So when did Thahira decide acting was the career for her? "I remember going to the circus when I was a child and being mesmerised by the trapeze artists. The costumes, the drum rolls, the smell of sawdust, all did it for me."
In Generations Thahira starred as a prominent no-nonsense businesswoman and in Backstage she plays a more creative role - an acting coach.
So, what is Thahira hoping to bring to this role. "I'm still developing my character because I've only recently started working on the production," she says.
"I'm thrilled to play a character which has a creative background, and I'm looking forward to working with so many young actors and to inspire the viewers. I want to give viewers a glimpse into the arts."
Thahira has been honoured with the Mababongwe Award for excellence in her field, receiving this accolade in the company of Frene Ginwala and Tandi Claasen.
Just how different is it working on Backstage than it was
working on the glamorous set of Generations? "If you've been on one set, you've been on all. Actors are so unique and warm. And, everyone's been so sweet.
"It's been hectic after a year, and I'm just so happy to be back on set. The weird thing is that even after a year nothing has changed," she says.
Much like Thahira, her character Naomi is living proof that dynamite comes in small packages. But, unlike Thahira's character in Generations, Naomi will be making her way to a college, instead of the posh offices she once owned.
Thahira may have more in common with her character than she realises. Just like her, Naomi is equipped with a degree in drama and has launched a successful career in film and television.
It's almost as though the character was written with Thahira in mind.
Here's more about her character: Naomi is everything Vulindlela could have asked for to inspire the students and to prepare them for their future careers in the arts.
Naomi isn't content to take a backseat in life. She causes waves with her forthright manner and passionate ideas about how she thinks things should be done, and when she's on the scene, you won't be able to stop yourself wondering what's going to happen next.
From her first day Naomi makes her presence felt and both students and members of the staff feel challenged by her focused commitment and determination.
She is an independent career woman who is claiming her rights - personally, professionally and politically. If ever the female students wanted a role model to shape themselves on, they now have her.
See how Thahira shapes on Backstage from Thursday at 6.30pm on e.tv.