Flamboyant Uzalo actor, Khaya Dladla, might be a natural performer at heart but doing what he does isn’t a walk in the park.
Contrary to what people may think, being gay and playing a gay character on the SABC1 drama series does not mean there is not much effort he puts into his craft. In an interview with Move!, he opens up about how changes on Uzalo will affect him, challenges in the industry and plans of growing his brand.
GC BECOMES A FAVOURITE
Five years ago, after years of theatre training, Khaya was given an opportunity to be on one of the biggest shows on TV. Because of an undeniable, bold and funny character, GC soon became one of the main attractions of the show.
“Playing a gay character isn’t as easy as people think it is,” he says. Khaya says because of being loved for this stellar role, it becomes a bit of a challenge for people to recognise him as ‘Khaya’ the real person when he is not on TV as many of his fans call him GC when he meets them.
LEAVING THE SHOW?
As Uzalo enters its fifth season, there have been many unexpected exits from actors. Also, with these changes, it seems GC will not be a permanent feature on the show. While it has been confirmed that Ntokozo Dlamini, who plays Mastermind, the criminal with a heart of gold Mxolisi Mdletshe, played by Naymaps Maphalala, KwaMashu’s favourite hairdresser Thobile, portrayed by Nokuthula Mabika, the troubled Pastor Mdletshe, played by Glen Gabela, have said their goodbyes, GC’s stay on the show has been altered a bit.
When asked about where he will be in the show, he gives an uncertain response. “I will not be on the show a lot as I will be a ‘call actor’ meaning they will call me when I am needed,” the Gagasi FM radio host says.
Even though there is a lot uncertainty about the future of his character, he says he will show up when he is called. “I love the show. I have had a great time on Uzalo and a lot of growth has come with being on the show,” he says.
For fans who are worried about how often they will be seeing their favourite drama queen on TV, he says, “I can’t put them at ease. I don’t I know how often I will be on TV.”
ALL ISN’T LOST
Apart from Uzalo, Khaya says he has other plans in the pipeline such as a sneaker range which he is launching at the end of this month. He has also made a name for himself as a radio host. “I appreciate the love they give GC but I would also like people to fall in love with the ‘Khaya’ brand because these are two different people,” he says.
