Last week, Uzalo burst onto our screens with new faces in the TV industry. Set entirely in KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, the drama promises to be very gripping. But, that’s not why we are going to be watching the series. Mpumelelo Bhulose, the main actor, who rose to fame on Generations, oozes charm and swagger as a cunning thug. We caught up with him to talk about his role and how he maintains his looks. 
I auditioned for the role. I met with Duma ka Ndlovu at an event in Pretoria, and he told me about Uzalo. He said he had been trying to track me down for the role because I’d be a perfect fit for it. I would have been stupid not to accept a part in Uzalo. It’s shot in my hometown, where I grew up. And I have the opportunity to act alongside really talented actors. I haven’t shot any scenes with Leleti Khumalo as yet because, well, I’m a thug and I won’t be in church anytime soon (laughs). Playing a gangster isn’t hard. It’s easy for me to reference the people I grew up with because, unfortunately, they chose the wrong paths. So while we went to schools others resorted to crime, but it didn’t pay off. So I’m able to use those scenarios to portray Muzi Xulu. 
I decided to focus on my production company after I left Generations. I was involved in a lot of projects that kept me very busy. I’ve worked with the Ekurhuleni Municipality, and the Arts and Culture Department in Gauteng, among others. I’m a very loyal person. When I commit to something, I want to stay until it is done. So for now I’m not interested in any other roles because I’m in Uzalo. Also, I don’t want to hog the limelight. There is fresh talent all the time and you need to let them shine as well. 
My advice to anyone who wants to be an actor is to make sure that you’re really in love with acting. If you have the right values and a burning passion to make it, then you won’t be easily influenced. If you’re chasing fame, then you won’t do well. In my spare time I go to the gym. That’s actually how I have fun! (Laughs). I try to go at least twice or three times a week. It can be hard to maintain my exercising regime because of work schedules, but when you are my age (43), you need to push yourself. 
