Mimi Mahlasela, a seasoned actress known for her role as Aggie on the popular television show 7de Laan, recently shared her experience of overcoming her fear of heights while filming for the new show Shaka iLembe. The show aired on Sunday on Mzansi Magic and features an all-star cast.
Facing Her Fears
In a post on her Instagram timeline, Mahlasela shared a clip of the cast walking on a mountain in KwaZulu-Natal. She revealed that she was emotional during the filming of this scene due to her fear of heights. Despite her acrophobia, she faced her fear and successfully completed the scene.
Mahlasela wrote: “We shot this scene on the coldest day in KZN — Nkandla, into engayi khala before shooting this scene because of my acrophobia but we did it and I faced my fear.”
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A Dream Come True
Mahlasela’s journey with the Shaka iLembe project was not just about the work. She also fulfilled a long-held dream of working with Bomb Productions, a company she had admired since she was a drama student. She expressed her gratitude for the learning experience that came with being part of the project.
“My journey with this project was not just about the work, it was far greater — I finally got to work with the remarkable Bomb Productions (it’s been a dream since I was a student studying drama) and of course a learning experience which I will forever be grateful for. Shaka iLembe,” she wrote.
Positive Feedback from Fans
Mahlasela’s followers responded to her post with congratulatory messages. One fan wrote: “I was so happy to see you! The transition from 7de Laan to iLembe.” Another commented: “Absolutely phenomenal. I’m so proud to be Zulu, especially coming from such a powerful kingdom.”
An All-Star Cast
The series features an all-star cast, including executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha who also stars as Queen Nandi. Mbatha spoke about her desire to use her voice to stand for something greater than herself and to change the discourse around young women and patriarchy.
She said: “I want to use my voice to stand for something greater than myself. I also want to change the discourse of who we are as young women and the patriarchy we’ve had to push through. So it’s interesting how this full-circle moment is. It’s something I already live and I am able to do now through my art form. I will always be grateful to be chosen to play Nandi.”