Linda Sokhulu burst into national stardom playing prostitute-turned model Cleo Khuzwayo on Generations. During her time on the soapie, she unwittingly built herself a legion of fans. Soon after her character was written out of the show, she played Noma in Ubizo – The Calling, where she played a scientist-cum- sangoma.
Linda as Nikiwe Sibeko in Isidingo
The role that earned her an endearing applause from the public was that of Pamela Thusi on Sokhulu and Partners, a drama based on a number of court cases that have been fictionalised and set in courtrooms where Pam proved her mettle as a lawyer. She played the role so convincingly you could be forgiven for thinking Linda is a real life lawyer. “Research is very important especially because we need to do justice to any given profession and roles we play,” she enthuses.
Never the one to take any role for granted, Linda spent an entire day touring a mine in a bid to understand the complexities of the business just before she could start playing Nikiwe Sibeko on the soapie Isidingo. Linda acknowledges she is a role model by default. In fact, it is actually good that aspiring actors do look up to her and perhaps she should consider mentoring them since she has a lot of respect her craft.
In this interview, she goes further to reveal she did not audition for the role of Nikiwe. Her passion for the industry caught an eye of a casting director at Isidingo headquarters.
Dimakatso Makisto Mokwena sits down and chats to Linda about her experiences as an actress and how she got where she is today.
Of all the roles you have played on TV, which one is your most favourite?
This is a difficult question. With every role that I play, I learn important acting crafts. I have played many roles and each role is different and they are all important and needs to be approached differently.
You studied fashion design for two years and quit. Do you apply some of the creative elements you learned during that period when dressing up for events?
Not really. There is a friend of mine called Thabang Mavundla who is an independent designer. I work with him for functions and he knows what really works for me. I like his interpretation of fashion.
You have a clean image that’s tabloid scandal-free. How do you manage to sustain a clean image in the public eye?
No one is a saint. In the industry that I am in there is high pressure because we are viewed as role models. I never intended to be a role model. I am on my own self-discovery quest. I do not want to be a role model and do not flock towards the media. However, because of the work that I do, people do look up to me. I do not have a clean image because I am also human and no one is immune to making mistakes in life.
How did you land your Isidingo role?
I have never been asked this question before. Let’s see…
I was asked by the casting director of the show if I would be interested in playing the character. They told me I would be playing a mining engineer. That got me intimidated because I did not know anything about mines. The role of Nikiwe was explained extensively to me by the then Isidingo head writer Ilse van Hermert [Now Scandal! head writer]. She left me with the duty of interpreting the role. That on its own was an intimidating process.
I did a lot of research about role. As part of my research, I went to Taotoana mine which is part of Anglo-American in Potchefstroom. I was given a tour of the mine and I got to understand how the business of mining works. I spent an entire day there and everyone was very helpful. As an actor, if you play a lawyer, you need to know about what happens in a court of law. You cannot just play a lawyer without having observed court proceedings. Research is very important because in acting we represent various professions and we need to do just to the roles and the professions we portray.
Linda Sokhulu as Phamela Thusi in Sokhulu and Partners
You played a lawyer named Pamela Thusi in Sokhulu and Partners. Did you do research for this role such as observing court proceedings like you mentioned?
I researched commercial law so I can know how it feels like to deal with such cases. I went to the Constitutional Court and listened to cases. I also went to magistrate’s courts to get a clear idea of what really happens in court. I also spoke with a lawyer friend of mine who was of great help.
How is Isidingo treating you?
Isidingo is a different show. I t’s more of a drama, it is very serious and intense. The role I play has challenged me to a higher degree. It is deliciously challenging to play Nikiwe because it gives me a positive experience as an actor. We film about 45 scenes a week
Do you have any similarities with Nikiwe?
She and I have the love of family and being passionate about what we do. She and I care about what happens with our family members. However, I am not a strong woman like Nikiwe is and as opinionated as she is.
Speaking of family, please tell us about growing up in KwaZulu-Natal and how it was like growing up there.
I am from Umlazi. It was really fantastic growing up there. I am not an outgoing person so I wasn’t everywhere. I generally find it difficult to be out and about. I had a good upbringing and I consider myself blessed.
Please tell us about the BCom you studied with Unisa.
I studied Bcom in Management Science prior to pursuing a career in acting. Studying was quite instrumental in how I play any of the character I play because I understand the management aspect of it.
How do you spend your free time and weekends?
I spend it with friends and family or go to the theatre to watch current shows and I love reading.
Who was your role model growing up?
My mother because she is a strong woman and she moulded me to be the person I am today. She instilled great value in me when I was growing up.
Linda snapped by Makisto at the 2013 Saftas. Of course, this year she is slimmer than this.
The last time I saw you it was at the Saftas and I asked to take a picture of you. As I was going through the pictures at home, I realised you had shed some kilos and looking remarkably stunning compared to when I saw you in the past. Are you on any secret diet?
More than anything else, I try my best to eat healthy. I also try and honour my gym commitment. The good thing about my gym club is that it is close to my work. So when I finish early at work, I pop in at the gym. I do not think it is difficult to sustain a gym routine because I make it a part of my lifestyle. Above everything else, I really try and eat well and I do not monitor my progress. I also do not crave junk food and I don’t do indulgence.
This article was initially written for 410 magazine.