Netflix Original series How to Ruin Love: The Proposal cast member Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani sat down with BONA to speak on her new show.
The four-episode comedy series tells a beautiful love story of two people who would do anything to make it down the aisle alongside their troublesome family members and in the end, it is love that eventually wins. Sivenathi Mabuya portrays Zoleka, the main character who goes to great lengths to uncover her partner’s secret, only to inadvertently sabotage her surprise engagement due to suspicions of infidelity.
While speaking to BONA, the lead star described her experience on set as, “Incredibly exciting! It’s always been on my vision board to work with Netflix & Burnt Onion. So this was a dream come true. Also working alongside people whose work I’ve always admired is an experience I’ll never forget.”
When asked if she felt as though her character Zoleka was received well by viewers, Sivenathi shared that she hoped viewers kept an open mind in accepting the character, adding, “I’m glad that they could relate with Zoleka the same way they could be frustrated or irritated with her.”
Describing the differences and similarities she shared with her character she said, “We’re honestly equally different and the same in a sense. I’m a Taurus which means I’m stubborn and persistent just like her however I’m not pessimistic or impulsive. In the same way just like her, I cannot cook pap to save my life but I certainly don’t live off Uber Eats either.”
After the recent release of the comedy series on the streaming platform, the lead star shared her experience of realizing that she wanted to be part of the series. She mentioned that it took 10 callbacks and a chemistry read with Bohang Moeko before she landed the role. She added that she would go through it all again.
During the interview, the lead star shared her highlights on set by saying, “The laughing! Most scenes I couldn’t shoot without laughing but the beach scene was the biggest highlight. We shot that scene over 2-3 days and we were a mess! I don’t know how we got a clean take out of it.”
Sivenathi noted that the How to Ruin love series shared similarities with Burnt Onions production’s previous series on the streaming platform, featuring a heartfelt narrative on relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and lively characters that will evoke personal memories.
Speaking on how she separates herself from her character, she said that she allows herself to be whatever the character needs to be without judgment or criticism.
“I know what Sive would do but it’s different when I ask myself what Zoleka would do instead. I don’t worry about what I sound like or look like at the end because I know it’s not me,” she says.
Although it is not certain if Zoleka will be making a return to the series, Sivenathi is hopeful that the viewer’s feedback will play a role in the return of the series.
Ending the interview with BONA, Sivenathi gave women who believe in love as much as her character Zoleka advice by saying, “Be as patient and persistent as her because relationships take work and time. It won’t always be easy but it’ll prove to be worth it in the end. Hopefully!”
Watch How to Ruin Love on Netflix
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