PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ NOSIPHO PHEHLO
South African actress Nosipho Pehlo has recently laid bare the harsh reality of the entertainment industry, opening up about the financial dynamics faced by thespians.
Nosipho, who is renowned for portraying Nolwandle Biyela on Outlaws, took to her Instagram page to remind people to not assume they are earning well.
“Please don’t assume someone is financially okay based on what you see on TV or how they show up in public. I’m a freelancer, work comes in seasons not monthly guarantees. Just because you see me looking fine, smiling and enjoying a moment doesn’t mean life is easy behind the scenes,” she said.
Nosipho shared that they are also carrying a lot, but do not go around looking like what they are carrying.
“Projects you see today were often done long before they aired, and whatever came from them has already gone into surviving the in-between. So seeing me now doesn’t mean there is money ‘still coming in’,” added Nosipho.
The aspiring TV presenter also shared that this also applies to friendships, citing that seeing one visible and doing well in one area doesn’t mean that they have the financial capacity to support others. She added that sometimes people ask without realising the pressure they put them under. She also urged the public to be kind, mindful and to not make assumptions.
Instagram users weighed in:
“One thing about you Nosipho? You always speak your truth. I’ve long admired that and loved that about you. I am not your mum but I know what she has meant to you and I am proud on both your behalf samma (sister) strubob. I am a fan,” said one user.
Actress Slindile Nodangala said: “You’ll explain until you pink and blue my sister, once you appear on that box, it’s chai.”
While another user said: “Please don’t delete this post — it’s such an important conversation. Thank you for your vulnerability.”