Entertainment

Rising star quits job to pursue acting

Dreams are worth waiting for and sometimes the best ones come true when you least expect it.

This is what Muvhango’s latest breakout star, Bontle Rampa, says after she finally got an opportunity to shine in the entertainment industry.

Bontle, 36, recently landed her breakout role on the SABC soapie, Muvhango. She plays Mmaguata ‘Bubbles’ Mosipidi. Bubbles is a very ambitious young woman, who just like her nickname is very bubbly and outgoing.

Bontle says that it has been a long journey to her breakthrough in the entertainment industry.

“I didn’t study acting, I wanted to but my family said no. My father said I could do acting but only as a hobby. I went on to study Business Administration but unfortunately I couldn’t complete the course because of financial difficulties,” she tells DRUM.

Bontle had to dropout and look for a job and she found herself stuck in a 9-5 job for many years. She worked at one of the leading network providers in the country and was making a name and career for herself within the field.

Although she was climbing the ladder, she was not happy with what she was doing because her heart was set on acting.

“I realised that I’m not doing any justice to myself, because at heart I am actress and I need to follow my calling. I didn’t know where to start because I didn’t have money to study. I was afraid to join an agency because of my terrible experience with it in the past.

“I drafted a plan and prayed about it for a very long, December 2019 I told myself that 2020 would be my last year working a 9-5 and that I would pursue my dreams moving forward. By the time I heard about the Muvhango auditions I had already made a decision in my heart to resign from my job to pursue acting,” she explains.

“I resigned in August and I served my notice. On the last day of my notice I received a call from Muvhango and I had received the part, I was so happy. I was over the moon.”

Bontle says the reception she has been receiving from people who watch the show has been amazing and through their affirmations she now truly believes that acting is what she is meant to be doing.

“Ever since I made my debut on Muvhango I have been smiling. I have been going to bed with a smile on my face. I am riding the wave and I am so thankful to God for this opportunity and the production team for allowing me to be a part of something this big.

“I can’t believe that I am working alongside people I grew up watching, pinch me now,” she jokes.

“Everyone has been so welcoming; it has been a blessing. They are beautiful people, the atmosphere at Muvhango feels like my second home.”

Bontle’s father passed away but she believes that he would have been so proud to see her finally succeed in something that she has so much passion for.

“I’m one person where if I want something I go for it and I don’t give up. My father passed away two years ago. I have been to his grave and I was like ‘Dad, I wish you were to see this’. He supported me in everything, he used to drive me to auditions he just wanted me to have a career. My mother is very proud of me as seeing me happy has been her goal.

“I want to encourage everyone to pursue their dreams despite the fear. The fulfilment that you get from a temporary job is nothing compared to the happiness you get from a fulfilled dream.” -Drum