Team Mela : Jailoshini Naidoo

Jailoshini Naidoo has not yet appeared on the flying trapeze but that is one of the few performing arts specialities to remain unmentioned on her CV. Award-winning actress, stand-up comedian, professional MC and voice-over artist are just some of the many ways in which she can be described – not to mention her initial career as an educator teaching English and drama. Unlike the proverbial Jack, this Jill (or Jailoshini) is a master of many fields - to which can be added a stint working as a newsreader in Norway, on an Oslo radio station.
Acting is her major passion and her skill and talent on stage has seen her embrace leading roles in numerous highly acclaimed theatre productions nation-wide: she has performed in major theatres all over the country including the Playhouse and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban, the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. Her performances in many productions including solo performances in Ronnie Govender’s, 'At the Edge' and '1949' , where she played up to 32 characters, earned her critical acclaim and rave reviews nationally. 'At the Edge' was later chosen to be part of the "Shared Histories Festival-India/South Africa" where it proved to be a huge success. In 2011, she was awarded the prestigious 'Mercury Theatre Personality of the Year Award' and also won the Durban Theatre Award for 'Best Comedy Performance'. Over the years she has also scooped Best Actress and Supporting Actress Awards, was nominated six times in the category, 'Best Lead Actress for the Durban Theatre Awards and was voted runner- up for the ' Mercury Most Popular Theatre Personality Award in 2009. Jailoshini has received a 'Golden Peacock Award' by the Indian Academy of S A for "Outstanding Contribution to the Arts" has been selected as one of four international artists to perform at the 'Going Solo Festival' which is takes place later this year.
On the big screen, she had substantial film roles in the UK feature 'The Eastern Bride' and the Italian movie 'Karol', while appearances on the small screen include the popular British television series "Strike Back 2", directed by Dan Percival.
As a stand-up comedian, Jailoshini’s brilliant comic timing has earned her a huge fan base in this arena, while her versatility has come to the fore as a professional MC/compere. Jailoshini is in great demand and has hosted many high-profile, corporate and private functions including, the Emirates launch, the Durban and Gauteng Diwali Festival and the recent SAIFTA launch. Clients include the Durban Chamber of Commerce, Price Waterhouse, Standard Bank, Absa, Engen, Air Mauritius, and the Nelson Mandela Medical School.
Jailoshini is perhaps best known as a popular senior presenter for the lifestyle magazine show genre. She has charmed guests, interviewees and viewers alike with her grace, charisma and her vivacious and outgoing personality. A seasoned traveller, she has worked on international locations such as Hong Kong, Mauritius and Zurich as well as covering the IIFAs in Bangkok, Macau, Sri Lanka and Toronto. More importantly, Jailoshini is equally at ease and enthusiastic whether attending glamorous red carpet events or when interacting with the poorest, most disadvantaged communities, creating awareness of their plight. Her compassion, sincerity and sensitivity are most evident in these community-based projects and have won the hearts of viewers across the country. Combining these qualities with her sense of humour, writing and improvisation skills, and a natural sense of ease on camera,
To sum her up, in the words of the award-winning writer and director Mr Ronnie Govender, who wrote that "As a television presenter Jailoshini Naidoo has achieved much and is easily one of the most loved and recognisable faces. Equally as an actress, she has emerged as a very special talent, straddling the world of entertainment with consummate ease, from superbly intense character roles in drama to brilliantly entertaining solo performances as a comedian. She is easily one of the most talented actors I have had the privilege to work with, her innate humility belying the depth, profundity and range of her artistic creativity"