The South African entertainment landscape is abuzz with the news of legendary actress Leleti Khumalo's return to television, joining the revamped cast of the long-running SABC 2 soapie "Muvhango". The news comes after a period of uncertainty for the show, which earlier this month sent ripples through the industry with the announcement of its apparent demise.
However, like a well-crafted soapie plot twist, "Muvhango" is back in production, with a renewed focus on delivering fresh and engaging storylines. The show's creator, Duma Ndlovu, and Grammy Award-winning music producer Lebo M, were on hand to celebrate the return of "Muvhango" at a recent event, where they posed for pictures with the newly-announced cast member, Leleti Khumalo.
Khumalo, known for her captivating performances in films like "Sarafina!" and her role in the popular television series "Imbewu", joins the cast of "Muvhango" as Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba. Her arrival promises to inject a dose of seasoned talent and gravitas into the show, adding another layer of intrigue to the already complex world of "Muvhango".
"I'm joining 'Muvhango' and it has been there forever and I was like, are you making a mistake, what are you doing? Because it's not going to be easy. It’s like finding a home that is fully furnished and warm and you need to add that touch," shared Khumalo, revealing her initial hesitation before accepting the role.
"It’s going to need me to dig more inside, I'm playing a character that has not been played by Leleti before, which is amazing because as actors we always look for challenges. I’m very excited, very nervous and I’m back home," she added, expressing her eagerness to take on this new challenge.
Khumalo's return to television comes at a time when "Muvhango" is facing a renewed focus on attracting a younger audience while staying true to its core values. The show's creator, Duma Ndlovu, acknowledged the need for change and innovation, stating, "What you're going to be seeing this season is probably the most dramatic change and growth you’ve seen because our viewers demanded that we go fancier, younger, fashionista, bold. They wanted us to continue telling stories, they didn't want us to lose the DNA of the show but they wanted us to spice things up."
Ndlovu's comments highlight the delicate balance that "Muvhango" faces in attempting to appeal to a wider audience without alienating its loyal fanbase. The show's producers are clearly aware of the need to evolve, and Leleti Khumalo's presence is a testament to their commitment to bringing in fresh talent and perspectives.
However, one can't help but wonder how Khumalo's well-known stance on intimate scenes will factor into her role on "Muvhango". In a bold and empowering move, the actress has publicly declared her refusal to perform kissing scenes in her acting career, citing personal principles and her husband's preferences as the driving forces behind her decision.
This decision has not come without consequences, as Khumalo has previously revealed that her refusal to participate in such intimate scenes played a significant role in her departure from the popular television series "Generations". The actress, known for her unwavering commitment to her principles, has demonstrated that she is not afraid to stand her ground, even if it means sacrificing opportunities.
While Khumalo's stance on kissing scenes has garnered both admiration and criticism, it remains to be seen how her decision will affect her role on "Muvhango". One can only hope that the show's scriptwriters will be mindful of her personal boundaries, ensuring that her character's storyline does not require her to engage in intimate scenes that she is uncomfortable with.
