Film, Theatre & TV
international series, Strike Back.
His recent role as chauffeur Jackson
in one of South Africa’s leading soapies,
Generations, has also caused a stir in the
local film industry.
In Zimbabwe, he featured in several
film productions including Yellow Card,
his first TV appearance in Paraffin and at
the age of 7 when he played an episode in
Sadza riripi.
He bemoaned talent which remains
untapped in the country and believes that
Zimbabwe can match any international
standards.
“There are so many stories to tell
in Zimbabwe and once we realise that
we can tell those stories ourselves, the
industry will grow faster,” he said.
He found the South African film
industry so rich and challenging, helping
one to rise above those challenges day by
day.
Gopal
acknowledged
trying
to
penetrate into the South African film
industry as having been tough at first.
“Not being able to speak any South
African language and having to adapt to
SA was not easy at all. But over the years,
I have worked hard
and learnt how
to be the best I
could in what I
do.
“Thanks to my
wife, I can speak
Tswana and Zulu
now. My challenge
is no longer about
penetrating the
industry but
balancing
family
Page 24
and work,” he said.
Leroy attributed his career highlights
as when he acted in Yellow Card, acting
on Backstage as a lead and his recent
award for Sestopla.
The humorous actor’s grassroots could
be traced back to the tender age of 13,
in a stage play called ‘The Singer’ which
was directed by his former Mathematics
teacher, Roger Hawkins, who gave up
teaching for directing.
“He came into class one day and
said that he was quitting teaching for
entertainment and wanted partakers to
act in his play. My best friend Takudzwa
Chidavaenzi and I stood up and opted in,
and that’s where it all started.
“The show was a success. Driven by
the enthusiasm, I went on to act in every
single school play, church play and at any
other stage. Even a ?
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