A young PR agent and celeb handler falls in “like” with one of her celeb clients. Can she handle this celeb?
Portia (Tebelelo Sephuma) is a young determined PR agent and celeb “handler.” She moves to Joburg to work at Stardust PR where her life takes an exciting turn when she is given the task of managing the notorious troublemaker, Thabo K (Sipho Ngwenya), a charismatic actor and singer. In the beginning they don’t get along, but soon find themselves falling in ‘like’ as they spend more time together.
Tebelelo is a young actor and a third year student of television production at AFDA. Singer and actor Sipho, aka Psyfo, started his career as a presenter on Kideo Pops, YOTV and Wildroom.
We chat to the actors about dating colleagues, love and crossing the professional line.
Have you ever developed feelings for a colleague?
Tebelelo: No, it was different placing myself in the character’s shoes. If I were to find myself falling in-love with a colleague, I would remain professional and not be emotionally attached to them.
Sipho: Yes, I have been in this situation. I fell in love with my colleague Hulisani Ravele and followed my heart and dated her and we are still together. Between you and me, I think she was hitting on me (laughs). If the feeling is mutual, and as long as you respect each other’s boundaries, then nothing should hold you back, go after your love!
What are your views on crossing the professional line and dating a colleague?
Tebelelo: I think it’s best to keep things professional I’m not for relationship in the work zone, but I guess things just happen.
Sipho: I really don’t see any problem with it - people and society come up with all these reasons why it won’t work, but if there is even an inch of hope inside you, go after it and ignore the ‘what ifs.’
If the relationship fails, would you still be able to work together?
Tebelelo: Yes, for the sake of my job, I’d just carry on and try to separate the two. I won’t let a failed relationship affect by my career.
Sipho: That’s when the awkwardness comes in, but in my case it worked and I’m part of that small percentage that made it work after breaking boundaries.
People who find themselves in a situation similar to yours, what advice would you give to them?
Tebelelo: Follow your heart and do what makes you happy.
Sipho: A relationship is all about communication, once there is a break-down, you’ll have problems. I think if you date a colleague, the secret is to master how to separate the work and pleasure. Home issues shouldn’t be taken to work and vice versa.
Complete the sentence: love shouldn’t…
Tebelelo: Change your character, your personality, or your morality.
Sipho: Be complicated.
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