Pearl Modiadie ventures into acting in new TV romcom

By Sihle Mkhize

TV and radio personality Pearl Modiadie (34) is making a comeback to the screen.

But this time the former host of SABC 1’s lifestyle show Zaziwa is now pursuing a career in acting. 

Pearl stole the hearts of many viewers during her time on Zaziwa. The show was canned in January 2020. 

At the time, she was also a presenter on Metro FM’s lunchtime show with Thomas Msengana. 

This show was also canned under controversial circumstances in March 2021. 

But speaking to S Mag ahead of the premiere of a romantic comedy, Entangled, where she is a co-star, she said she had always wanted to tap into that side of her talent. 

“I’ve always tapped into different facets of the entertainment industry including working behind the scenes as a producer on Zaziwa.

“I did this while I was still hosting it,” she said.

“Acting has also always been a love that I pursued, having previously had supporting stints on Generations, Scandal! and Rhythm City. 

“My radio schedule didn’t allow time for me to fully pursue it. So now that I am no longer a radio broadcaster, I am making time to fully immerse myself in the acting world.”

Modiadie plays the role of a “shrewd materialistic” woman called Andiswa on the show that will air on DStv’s 1Magic.

Other actors include Vuyo Dabula, Phuthi Khomo and Vuyo Ngcukana.

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She says she relates to Andiswa because she knows what it’s like to go to the ends of the world in order to try to make something work.

“I sent tapes to a few auditions for different roles in November last year and in the end I was called to play Andiswa Makeba. 

“We then started shooting in December. It’s been quite an experience. “I’ve had the honour of working alongside incredible people under Burnt Onion which has produced amazing shows in the country,” she explains.

“Andiswa is a shrewd materialistic woman who runs a tight ship around her husband and kids. 

“She desperately wants to keep her family together no matter what it takes. 

“She’s always about keeping up appearances and doesn’t want people to actually see the real her and the actual truth about her real life.

“I relate to her passion, determination and nurturing side,” Modiadie expresses. The comedy series’ storyline is quite funny and complex.

It focuses on a successful woman named Sharon (Khomo), set to wed her partner Sizwe (Ngcukana).  

But her ex-boyfriend Julius (Dabula) comes back in her life,  leading things to take a complete 360º turn.

With her ex-lover back in the picture, Sharon consults her friends and a therapist about the dilemma of having her heart split for two men.

The drama then continues exploring modern-day relationships, humour, masculinity and human emotions.

“I play alongside Senzo Radebe who plays my husband Reggie and he’s such an incredible actor. He is also really funny off-screen. 

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“I think the best moments have to be the off camera conversations and gossip we have about our characters. 

“We often are in awe of the decisions they make and the things they say,” Modiadie added.

The countdown to the premiere of the rom com has started and Pearl gave a teaser of one of her funny scenes on set. 

She listed a wedding scene where Sharon gets married and at the reception, her best friend Zenani (Moliehi Didie Makobane) gives a very entertaining speech.

“It’s an all-round incredible show with complex characters that I think people are going to enjoy.”