FOR Ruben Naidoo, a Queensburgh resident, being an actor is a childhood dream come true.
The full-time primary school teacher has been juggling his career with roles in various television and film productions, but after he retires from teaching next year he hopes to focus more on his passion as an actor.
This year, the 64-year-old has played characters in eight films, with some TV work in between. His latest role is that of a gangster in the telenovela Imbewu on e.tv.
Naidoo said he was born and raised in Stanger.
“At an early age, my parents used to take us to watch Indian movies at the cinema. I was impressed by these actors. I remember my parents always supported me. I had a friend who would come over and we enacted movie scenes for them so the passion has always been there. I love doing this. Being on set is a high that cannot be explained.
“I also used to watch westerns when I was in Standard 6 (Grade 8). We used to go outside and play cowboys and crooks and I think that is where my love for acting started.”
Naidoo is a creative arts teacher at Collingwood Primary School in Wentworth.
“I wanted to be a creative arts teacher based on my love and passion for drama and acting. I enjoy being able to take my kids right into the heart of the film industry. Every Wednesday at school, we have drama classes which are run as an extramural during which we work with proper movie scripts and the like.
“I would like to help prepare kids who have the talent for the industry. Over the years, two of my kids from school were recommended for movies for Mzanzi Magic.”
The school was damaged during the October 2017 storm.
Naidoo said they were still operating out of mobile classrooms on the school grounds, but the reconstruction had started.
“Hopefully the school will be ready soon. Unfortunately, I won’t see it as I would be retired by then. It is hard work but the kids are dedicated. I always tell them that to get into character, you don’t just learn the lines, you’ve got to learn the character. A script is only words, you have to bring that script to life.”
Over the years, Naidoo dabbled in stand-up comedy before moving on to stage and radio.
“Then the movie bug bit and I have been doing movies ever since,” he said.
Naidoo's most recent appearance on TV was playing a gangster in Imbewu.
"I started shooting for Imbewu about a month ago. They will develop this character so I should be shooting again soon. I have already appeared in three episodes of the serial.“
In January he will be seen in Mother of All, a new series that will screen on e.tv.
“I play a gangster in this show as well. It is a pacey miniseries with two seasons. It touches on issues of drug and human trafficking and it is going to be an eye-opener.”
Recalling the projects he was involved in over the years, Naidoo said there were a number of highlights.
“I enjoyed working on a film called Worth, which is currently screening on Showmax. I played a gangster who is in a wheelchair. The most exciting part of this film is that it was shot in the heart of Wentworth, an area where the community has problems with drugs and gangsterism.
“Recently a film aired on SABC1 called My Business, where I played a businessman. Another highlight was playing a magistrate in The Indian Detective, which is currently screening on Netflix.
“That was an amazing experience and I got to work with Russell Peters, Anupam Kher and William Shatner. I got to know these guys and how amazingly humble they are.”
After Naidoo retires from teaching in September next year, he plans to rest before continuing with his acting career full-time.
“I think I’m just going to take a one or two months break. This year has been hectic. I think I’ve shot close to seven or eight movies alone. I have been blessed.”
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