Class Act : Nina Hlalo
Growing up, has acting always been your number one dream?
Acting has always been my dream job, growing up I participated in yearly plays and enjoyed the pressure and gratification that came with pulling off an amazing production. I can’t say I ever imagined being any but a world-renowned actress.
Give one word on how your experience was on Class Act?
Surreal
What’s your weakest point?
Not trusting myself and the choices I had made with the roles I played because came across on screen as though I was not sure of my characters motives.
What did you find challenging about being on Class Act?
What I found most challenging about being on Class Act was the different directions we got from the professionals that used to tutor us on acting and the industry because they all had different views on how playing characters which at times become overwhelming once on set.
What’s next for Nina?
Big things!!!! I’m planning on branching out into a number of my other platforms through this experience that have to do with the entertainment industry. Hopefully host a few TV shows, maybe co-host a radio show and do tons and tons of voiceovers.
What will you miss most about Class Act?
The people, from our chaperones to my housemates, I made a lot of friendships which to this day I still honour. Oh and I also miss being on set and just doing what I was born to do… ACT!
Which 2 do you think will win Class Act? And why those 2?
Tumi and Pallance, because of their passion and commitment to the art. I think because of the teachable nature the two possess I think a lot of people in the industry will enjoy working with them, just as Tim Green would always say
What kept you going through out you being on Class Act when things were getting tough & the pressure kept building up?
God, because without feeling like I was there for a reason created by the Almighty, one’ spirit could easily be destroyed from all the negative comments and I’d have never been able to appreciate the position I was in and keep pushing with faith.
What did you learn from working with Xolile Tshabalala and other actors & actresses that have worked with you guys on the show?
I learnt a lot from Xolile Tshabalala not only about characterization and acting but about trusting yourself and the choices you make when acting as that trust resonates through your character and shows your understanding of the role you are playing. I was also inspired by Bonnie Henna, wow what a phenomenal woman, her humility and her kind words kept me going during one of our shoots were I played opposite her. Truly humbled!
When you were given a character, did you find it difficult or easy to become that character & why?
A bit of both, because of the fact that you have different professionals telling you how this character should be portrayed confused me at times. But with each role I discovered within me how to tackle such conflict internally and just go with the most natural feeling for the character.
The scenes that you were given to do, how did you find them?
To tell you the truth, I thought I got the crappiest (excuse my French) scenes compared to the other contestants because I would either get a scene that was too long and would lose the audience’s attention or one that was too short and have enough time to fully express the character’s motives.
Ok, now most actors/actresses are often told to change something about their appearance, did you come across that and if so what were you asked to change?
Funny you should ask that, at the Top 38 auditions, our director Tim Green noticed I have mole on my chin and he asked me if I would consider having it removed for the show. I told him I would have it covered up with make-up yes, but to have it surgically removed no. Because as far as im concerned when I first auditioned it wasn’t covered up as it forms part of my identity and I went through, so for now the molly molly mole stays without a doubt!
Who is Nina off camera?
Nina is a vibrant, funny, kindred soul off camera. I enjoy doing things with my hands my second passion being cooking I’m always trying new recipes and hopefully ill have enough to go study the art of culinary and become a qualified chef. I have tons of aspirations, ill name a few to become a world renowned actress-chef-model-rapper-dancer and last but not least philanthropist/humanitarian (but gotta get my money right )
If you hadn’t done acting, what else would you do in terms of career path?
Most probably become a chef or a model (I know I know gotta shed off the kilos)
What is your motto in life?
Be better than the best you can be, because at the end of the day the only person stopping you from achieving absolute greatness, is the person staring back at you in the mirror.
Do you consider yourself brave & strong? Elaborate…
Yes I do, firstly for entering this competition J Seriously I do, because through all my trials and tribulations I still find the strength to carry on with a kick in my step and a twinkle in my eye, knowing very well that God has BIG plans for me and the setbacks are just mere hurdles preparing me for the greatness that’s to come.
How did you feel when you made it for Class Act?
I was ecstatic, and tremendously nervous because I had just been picked amongst a good 4000 people to be in the top 5 girls and to top it up I was up against some people that had degrees in the arts so a good mixture of emotions ran through me when I found out I had made it.
Has you experience on Class Act changed you, if so in what way?
My experience on Class Act has definitely changed my outlook on life and how I approach things, it has taught me to trust myself and my choices because at the end of the day I live with those choices, which made and managed correctly could change my life and those around me for the better.
What is the one thing you hate about yourself and why?
At times my lack of confidence with myself and my craft. I think it’s because of not being formally trained in the field of performing arts.
Who is your favourite actor/actress? Whether off our shores or even in South Africa
Johnny Depp, Kerri Washington, Helena Bonham, Leleti Khumalo and Moshidi Motshegwa
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the acting industry and what can they expect?
My 3P’s : Perseverance, patience and persistence! As much as I’ve only just touch the tip of the iceberg, I believe if you persevere in your craft whether it be directing or acting you will find means to be heard. The industry is a tough one to crack but with enough persistence and patience, good things will come to those who wait and believe in the person staring them back in the mirror
You can check more info about Nina on her facebook and also on her twitter
