Leeanda Reddy captured the hearts of audiences across the nation with her memorable roles in beloved soap operas like ‘Isidingo’ and ‘Scandal!,’. Explore her remarkable journey through the world of entertainment and discover what she’s been up to recently.
LEEANDA REDDY: THE BEGINNING
Born in Durban, South Africa, Leeanda Reddy’s passion for performance emerged at a young age according to Briefly. Even as a child, she had the gift of making audiences burst into laughter. She could recite a poem titled ‘Two Little Clouds’ while in grade one.
After graduating from Crystal Point Secondary School, she pursued her love for the arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, earning a BA degree in Speech and Drama.
THEATRE THESPIAN
Leeanda Reddy’s acting odyssey commenced on the theatre stage, where she finely tuned her craft. Her talent graced renowned venues such as the Opera and Loft theatres, Market and Civic theatres in Durban, Sneddon, and Grahamstown.
In 2000, her exceptional abilities drew recognition from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), leading to an invitation to present her solo play ‘At the Edge’ at the International Theater Festival in New Delhi, India. This marked the pivotal moment that catapulted her to international acclaim.
With a seamless transition from theatre to television, Leeanda Reddy quickly became a household name.
SILVER SCREEN ACTING
Her journey in front of the camera commenced with hosting duties on the magazine show ‘Big City,’ followed by ‘Citylife,’ where she enthralled audiences with her charisma. In 2005, she assumed the role of Vanashree Devan in the popular eTV drama series ‘Scandal!,’ solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
Leeanda Reddy didn’t limit her talents to the small screen. She graced the silver screen alongside internationally acclaimed actors, sharing scenes with Naomi Watts in ‘Diana’ (2013), Boris Kodjoe and Tront Espen Seim in ‘Cape Town’ (2016), and Idris Elba in ‘Dark Tower’ (2017).
Leeanda Reddy psoing for photographs as Inspector Priyanka Naicker from Isidingo.
Her versatility shone as she effortlessly transitioned between diverse roles. Additionally, she had the privilege of working alongside Leon Schuster in ‘Mr. Bones 2.’
PRODUCTION COMPANY
In 2008, Leeanda Reddy co-founded Mustard Seed Productions, a film production company, with her friend Krijay Govender. Her role extended beyond acting, as she also became a writer, director, and producer of stage productions within the company.
Her involvement showcased her commitment to advancing the South African entertainment industry.
Throughout her illustrious career, Leeanda Reddy garnered numerous awards, including the esteemed Mababongwe Award, Best Actress at the FND Vita Awards, and multiple SAFTA’s Best Lead Actress awards.
Her accolades spanned categories like Best Comedy Actress, Best Script, and Best Set Design, underscoring her exceptional talent and dedication.
LOVE AND FAMILY
Beyond the glitz of showbiz, Leeanda Reddy enjoys a fulfilling family life. She’s been happily married to her partner Clive Chetty for over 19 years, and they have two sons, Yorke and Zion Chetty. Their family calls Johannesburg home.
Leeanda Reddy’s journey from theatre to television and film, her numerous awards, and her comedic brilliance attest to her remarkable career in entertainment.
Her story serves as inspiration for aspiring actors and comedians, reminding us that with talent, determination, and a sprinkle of humour, the sky’s the limit.