Actress Ziya Xulu has found herself on cloud nine following the weekend’s celebrations which saw her being awarded the Best Newcomer for portrayal of Pikiwe in Shaka iLembe at the Simon Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.
While this achievement is one that she gladly accepts, she has stated that this is the result of nearly a decade’s worth of hard work.
Speaking to news and entertainment publication SowetanLive she said: “I’ve been doing this acting thing. I have been grinding and paddling. The fact that I’m only called a newcomer now when I’ve been at it for close to a decade is truly humbling, so beautiful.”
She says that the award is a reminder that one’s hard work will never go unnoticed. Her wish now is to see that many other plus-sized actresses are able to secure themselves leading roles in the acting industry.
Speaking to the above-mentioned publication, she said that someone who inspired her to be as bold as she now was radio presenter and television personality Anele Mdoda.
“I hope to continue leaving footsteps for them to walk on, just like I did with Anele Mdoda’s footprints,” she said.
She added: “I don’t think I would’ve been as confident as I am today if I didn’t see how bold Anele was and still is.”
While most roles require a slender actress to portray the character, Ziya says that she has learnt to step out in confidence and redefine what beauty can be.
“I often see a brief that says, we need the leading lady to be very beautiful but I chose to silence them. I ignore all of that and go into an audience room shouting: ‘A very beautiful girl has entered. You asked for her?’”
Also see: Ziya Xulu speaks on her nomination for her role on ‘Shaka iLembe’
