PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ NHLANHLA KUNENE
The fan-favourite Nhlanhla Kunene will join the highly anticipated legal drama series, Law, Love and Betrayal.
The talented actor, who has won many hearts for his portrayal of Tsiki Tsiki on Adulting, will play the character of Gatsha’s (played by Nimrod Nkosi) son Mondli Gumede, a highly intelligent and openly gay man.
Even though Mondli was frequently mentioned on season 1, particularly his complex relationship with his father Gatsha, he remained off screen and a mysterious presence looming in the background of the Gumede family and their law firm.
Nhlanhla will finally bring Mondli into the spotlight in the second season, where he will be bringing tension, cunning and disruption to an already fractured family. His return proves especially challenging for his sister Ayanda Gumede (played by Pearl Modiadie).
Joining Nhlanhla in telling the story of a cutthroat world of the Gumede & Associates law firm are new cast members Shannon Esra, Sparky Xulu and Katlego Lebogang.
Speaking to Showmax about his new character on the highly anticipated series, he said: “It almost felt like stepping into a role that already existed, because Mondli had been described and discussed for so long. There were so many conversations about who he is and what he represents.
“My responsibility was to give form to that idea, to make him real. He was no longer meant to be an imagined figure, but someone whose presence could finally be felt. It was challenging, but also exciting. I’ve always wanted to move away from the gangster-type characters I’ve played before, and Mondli gave me that opportunity,” said Nhlanhla.
He also expressed appreciation for the fact that Mondli’s sexuality was not used as spectacle, but as one part of who he is: “That approach was extremely meaningful to me. Mondli’s sexuality isn’t used for shock value or tokenism. It’s simply part of his identity. What mattered most was portraying a fully realised human being, not a stereotype.
“Representation is important, and being trusted with a role that reflects the experiences of a particular community, handled with respect and authenticity, is something I don’t take lightly,” Nhlanhla said.
Also see: Shannon Esra reprises her popular role of Sandra Stein on ‘Law, Love & Betrayal’