The 33-year-old star Ayanda Bandla adds that her highlight in working on e.tv’s latest telenovela Smoke and Mirrors is working with Mzansi’s talented actors.

“I think some of these actors stand for so many things excellence being one of them and being part of this group pushes me to part of that level of excellence that they execute so much.”

 

Bandla admits the role has been challenging because she doesn’t want to drop the ball. “You always want to make sure you give the best representation possible of the character itself. You always want to dig deep in finding every emotion that I need for this character”.

The role has also taken her out of her comfort zone and she’s been growing her craft both on and behind the scenes, as she’s also been producing and directing.

“This is a part of myself that I have been building for myself, I believe in being diverse in your craftmanship. I believe it makes me understand better what happens when it comes to production and being in front of the camera.”

The Political Science graduate with a specialty in International Relations reveals that her television career began in the field of News and Actuality when she joined e.tv’s breakfast show Sunrise. E.tv reveals that the new show Smoke and Mirrors involves a small mining town, Emnyameni, and focuses on Thandiswa (played by Ayanda Bandla). She’s a hairdresser by day and an escort by night and intends on removing The Unholy Trinity, who are corrupt men who run the small town.

Other cast members include; Caesar, played by Zolisa Xaluva, Jaxon, played by Meshack Mavuso – Magabane, Mthetho, played by Kabomo Vilakazi, Mpendulo Mseleku, and Thandiswa’s son, is played by Khayalethu Xaba.

Loyiso Maqoma, who is the creator, writer, and producer for Smoke and Mirrors, told City Press:

“We’ve cooked up a story that is gripping at its core but yet has multiple facets that resonate with the viewer. A lot of research went into putting the show together and in the end, we are happy to say we have a good product to show and tell.