Pearl Modiadie has proven she can do it all, from hosting Craz-E and Zaziwa to presenting on Metro FM to acting in Scandal! and BET’s Redemption.
From Thursday, Modiadie is set to captivate audiences as Ayanda Gumede-Williams in the Showmax Original legal drama Law, Love and Betrayal (LLB).
In LLB, she plays Ayanda Gumede-Williams, a brilliant lawyer working at Gumede & Associates, the law firm owned by her father, Gatsha Gumede, played by Nimrod Nkosi.
Xabiso Ngqabe sat down with Pearl to find out more:
Tell us about Ayanda
Ayanda is a strong character, but her drive to be the best sometimes works to her detriment. She desperately seeks her father’s approval. She craves a close father-daughter relationship and longs for Gatsha to love her in the way she desires, but he expresses love in his way, believing in tough love.
When it comes to her relationships, she is determined to make them work. She also invests heavily in her connections, like the one with her best friend, Lwazi.
Did you do a lot of research for the role?
Absolutely, but I think more of my research goes into emotional research rather than factual details. When it comes to facts and lawyers, we can only go as far as the script gives us.
I had to dig deep to understand Ayanda’s character. I had to recall what it’s like to want something so badly and to fight for what you truly love. To be in love and have it not work out; to invest in friendships and then to be betrayed.
To know the experience of winning and achieving your goals. I had to dig deep, remember those moments in my life, and add to this character.
How is this character different from your earlier roles?
I find her quite similar to Yvonne from BET’s Redemption. I start to wonder if these traits are something I bring out in my characters [chuckles].
Like Yvonne, who is ambitious and pushes people to be their best, Ayanda shares that drive. However, when I consider Kefilwe from Scandal!, she was a free spirit who just happened to be mixed up with the wrong people.
So, she is quite different from these other characters. I think the common thread is that I often play strong characters.
What was it like to share a screen with Nimrod Nkosi?
He is amazing! Nimrod is such a great actor, and I truly enjoyed working with him. I met him a long time ago when he interviewed me on his talk show on Soweto TV. He didn’t remember that; however, he recognised me from Zaziwa. I think our on-screen dynamics will shine through.
Any standout moments from filming the series?
Definitely when Ayanda is being a badass lawyer; I like that. I appreciate the strength she possesses. She’s fierce and does whatever it takes to get what she wants.
I love her ambition. I also love her when she’s vulnerable, especially when she finds herself falling in love. Without giving too much away, I enjoy her awkward moments when she has to have intimate scenes.
Yes, there are intimate scenes; there’s love. It’s Law, Love and Betrayal [chuckles]. It’s all-encompassing. As awkward as those scenes may be, I strive to embody the character as truthfully as possible.
Stream Law, Love and Betrayal on Thursdays from September 5, 2024 on Showmax.
Words: Fame Frenzy
