Mayuri Naidu: a journey through film, advocacy and self-discovery

MAYURI Naidu is more than just a familiar face in the film and television scene. She is an advocate for animal welfare, and an inspiring voice for women in the industry.

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY

Originally hailing from Durban, Naidu, who now lives in Johannesburg, has drawn from her diverse experiences and education to carve out a career as an actor and a writer.

She stars in the movie Lucky Fish, which will release countrywide on the big screen on Friday.

Naidu was born in Phoenix and raised in Effingham Heights. Her passion for the performing arts ignited at age 4. Early memories of watching musicals like Grease and The Sound of Music fuelled her aspirations, leading to her first acting experience at the Catalina Theatre in 2004.

"Performing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," said Naidu.

"There is a big age gap between my sisters and me, so most of my time at home was spent watching movies like Thoroughly Modern Millie, My Fair Lady, Grease and The Sound of Music. I was enthralled, and it was fascinating to me how these movies could transport you to a new world.

"My parents supported me from the get-go, and although there were no real drama or acting programmes available at the time, they took me every Saturday to Ian Fleming's drama school at the Effingham Library. I graduated and won best actress at the age of 7, and I was in love ever since.

"Any opportunity to perform, I was there. From dancing for visitors who came to the house, to pretending to be all seven Von Trapp children in Grade 3, you couldn't stop me. I danced for the school fashion shows and took part in all the productions in high school. So performance has been a part of my life from as far back as I can remember. There was never anything else I wanted to do."

She matriculated from Northlands Girls' High and thereafter studied media and communications at Unisa, majoring in creative writing. Naidu also has a certification in radio and TV presenting, and is studying for a diploma in animal welfare.

Theatre