Devnarain is the best baddie

POPULAR actor Jack Devnarain scooped the “outstanding male villain” award at the 6th Royalty Soapie Awards at the weekend.

He was bestowed the award for his character Sunil Maharaj in the television soapie Imbewu.

The ceremony took place on Saturday at The Galleria in Kramerville, Sandton.

The Royalty Soapie Awards recognises major contributors to the South African daily TV drama entertainment industry and acknowledges the extensive role soapies play in society, while rewarding those who excel.

Even though Devnarain’s character is known for his vile ways, he is still the character you love to hate.

The POST spoke to Devnarain following his victory.

“The moment my name was called, it felt surreal. It meant even more because I was nominated within a category of other incredible actors.

“Being acknowledged within the South African film and television industry is a reminder that we must continue to push boundaries when it comes to improving the television industry in SA.”

Devnarain was a Metro Police officer before getting into acting.

“As a former metro officer and now winning the best villain award, it shows you that life is more complex than just good and evil. I know good people who have done bad things, but at the same time, I know ideologically bad people who have done amazingly great things for others. In life, it is important to see there are always different shades of grey.

“I enjoy playing the role of Sunil. I have enjoyed it for the past five years. Besides me bringing the role to life, I heavily rely on our team to highlight Sunil’s absolute villainess in every scene.

“The one thing I like most about Sunil is that he is completely unapologetic. He’s always crossing the lines and breaking social norms. He doesn’t care about anyone or what he has done to them. He only cares about his own life. Through all his evilness, he remains comical, and that’s good writing on the team’s part,” said Devnarain.

He said being mindful of the script will take you a long way. “The key thing for me when I am getting into character is to be respectful of the script. There is no formula to get around the script. Understand the character you’re playing.

“Winning this award means I have a platform to continuously raise awareness for our film and television industry. Doing interviews like these gives me an extra platform to share that we, as actors and actresses, are still vulnerable and are easily exploited without compensation. We as actors don't get enough credit for the hard work we do and all the effort we put into making remarkable shows for South Africa,” said Devnarain.

Some of the winners of the Royalty Soapie Award included:

◆ Outstanding lead actress – Katlego

Danke from Gomora

◆ Outstanding lead actor – Vusi

Kunene from HOZ (House of Zwide)

◆ Outstanding female villain – Deirdre Wolhuter from 7 de Laan

◆ Outstanding daily TV drama – Binnelanders

◆ Outstanding supporting actor – Zenzelisphesihle Sparky Xulu – The Estate

◆ Outstanding supporting actress – Lunathi Mampofu – The River

◆ Most popular show – 7 de Laan

◆ Viewer's choice: best actor – Thabiso Molokomme as Paxton Kgomo – Skeem Saam

◆ Viewer’s choice: best actress – Lunathi Mampofu as Emma –The River

◆ For the full list of winners, visit www. royaltysa.com