Zolisa Xaluva's acting credits include roles as Jason on 'Generations', Lwazi on 'Tsha Tsha' and, most recently, HHP's manager on 'Rhythm City'.

Now that he's playing a new role — Khutso on SABC1's 'uGugu no Andile' — it's the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the man who clearly has a love affair with acting.

Tashi: What's your fave TV show of all time?

Zolisa: 'The Cosby Show' - still love it. I wish I could get a DVD of the first seasons actually, it was my ultimate.

Tashi: Yes it was a great show - what was it about it that appealed to you most?

Zolisa: I was just happy to see black people living as a family and being happy. The way our African families have been - without proper structure, broken homes, daddy being an abuser or mommy working too hard or maybe being a single mom. It was nice seeing a black family having fun together, growing up together and being professional - it was very aspirational.

Tashi: Also every episode had some sort of life lesson but it never came across as preachy.

Zolisa: No, no, no it was just a lot fun and the messages really drove into me. I used to love the little girl, the last born child - her name was Rudy I think - she was my age and I used to have a crush on her. I knew I'd never get her but it didn't stop me from imagining.*laughs*

Tashi: *laughs* Your fave TV theme tune?

Zolisa: Off the top of my head - that 'Ally McBeal' song... I don't remember the tune exactly but I remember it always stuck in my mind.

Tashi: Yes what was that?

Zolisa: I can't remember ...

Tashi: If you were to get married - what song would you want played as your first dance at your wedding?

Zolisa: I'm a big fan of John Legend when it comes to the whole love song and romance thing. There's a song where he says he wants to be with his woman forever and will always treasure her.

I listened to it the other day and I started having these fantasies about getting married, seeing my wife walking down the aisle and stuff. I'd want any John Legend track because I think he's a legend in himself, he understands love very well - he's the new Marvin Gaye.

Tashi: You say you pictured someone walking down the aisle - is it somebody in particular?

Zolisa: No - my bride had no face in my mind. Now that you mention it I had this white veil covering no face. *laughs* I'm not really dating at the moment - I used to go out with this girl for a very long time, then I dated three other people after that but right now I'm in between.

I'm focusing more on work than love but I do want to be in love again. I really pray to God that he could bring someone to love and trust and spend the rest of my life with.

Tashi: If you could date anyone on the planet, who would it be?

Zolisa: I'm big on Rihanna at the moment. I love the accent, the eyes - they're captivating - I love her voice when she sings, it's very sexy.

Tashi: So if you went on a date with her, what would you do?

Zolisa: I think she's a very simple girl, much like me - I'm a simple guy. I'd take her away from people - so a private venue with simple stuff - a hotdog and a walk on the beach in a T-shirt and flipflops. Nothing crazy, I'm not big on candles and that whole kind of thing - but I am a hopeless romantic.

Tashi: It's a very fine line between being romantic and being cheesy.

Zolisa: Yeah exactly - and I don't want to be predictable either. She's from Barbados so a one-on-one boat ride would be great as well - so I could get to know her ... look into those gorgeous eyes ... you know.

Tashi: What's been the most challenging acting scene you've ever done?

Zolisa: On 'Tsha Tsha' - Lwazi, he was very complex character. He was a nice guy but he was going through a whole lot of stuff - he was unemployed and very depressed.

Getting into the depression was potentially dangerous 'cos I'm a bit of method actor - I really, really, really get into it - so it was a challenge. It was hard and challenging but watching it afterwards and how well it came out was very fullfilling.

Tashi: What does getting-into-it involve for you? Is it a state of mind beyond performances?

Zolisa: For me it meant needing to think negatively all the time and I'm not that kind of guy. Even when I was walking around in the real world I had to look at things differently. When I was party and it was a happy mood - I'd try to imagine how he'd respond in the situation and do it - some people thought it was a little weird and some people didn't notice. *laughs*

Tashi: Which roles out of these would most want to play: a doctor or detective?

Zolisa: Definitely a detective.

Tashi: A warder or prisoner?

Zolisa: Mmmmm, that's a tough one - I'd actually like either one of those ... but a prisoner would be more intense. I'm an intense actor.

Tashi: Hero or villain?

Zolisa: Hmmmm, I love being a villain 'cos I'm a real life hero so I want the challenge! *laughs*

Tashi: Con artist or love interest?

Zolisa: Right now con artist, yes - when I first started acting it would have been love interest but right now con artist.

Tashi: Lawyer or journalist?

Zolisa: Lawyer - I grew up wanting to be a lawyer. I had challenges with my hairbecause I've got locks and most lawyers shave their hair to look neat and proper and I don't like looking neat and proper - I'm a bit rough around the edges when it comes to my appearance.

Tashi: Music sensation or Olympic athlete?

Zolisa: Olympic athlete 'cos I can't sing - I can only sing in the show, that's the only time I sound good but I do love music. A music mogul or music producer would be good.

Tashi: You've already played one on 'Rhythm City' as HHP's manager. What was it like playing him?

Zolisa: It was exciting - I felt the way it was written wasn't necessarily how the manager would be because he was aggressive and HHP's a really nice guy but I think there's a lot that could happen with him. The character could definitely grow to manage any one of the musicians on the show.

Tashi: What's your fave radio station?

Zolisa: I listen to Y - I love it - the way it explores youth culture. I'm loving Dr Sbu, I'm glad he's back. Since I was at 'varsity in 2001 I've been listening to it - it speaks to me directly.

Tashi: And your fave movie of all time?

Zolisa: That's a tough one - being an actor I love movies. 'The Godfather' series for me was amazing, 1 and 2 especially. I love Marlon Brando, I'm a big Al Pacino fan and of course Robert de Niro - they're my ultimates. The acting in the movie, the directing, the story - everything. My favourite actor of all time though is Johnny Depp.

Tashi: Apparently he's got this fancy island he escapes to with his French wife.

Zolisa: I like the fact that he doesn't take Hollywood seriously - it's just a job - I love that. He's one actor who can transform into anyone and do anything.

Tashi: What's the wildest thing you've ever done?

Zolisa: I'll tell you the most stupid thing I've ever done. I was in love with my ex so much - I was doing first year at school, I was broke, I had no money and I really wanted to see her so I walked over 20km's from Melville to Doornfontein just to go see her and when I got there she wasn't there. I should have just got 50c to go to a tikki-box to say: "Are you there?" and I didn't.

Tashi: Did you wait? What happened?

Zolisa: I waited and she didn't pitch so I walked all the way back.

Tashi: Do you believe in aliens?

Zolisa: No. *laughs* I don't really enjoy science fiction - it's only 'X-Men' that I really, really enjoy - 'cos I love Halle Berry! And Hugh Jackman, he kicks ass as well. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have amazing minds but I think science fiction's an acquired taste.

Tashi: What's a moment that's super-special to you?

Zolisa: The day I got my first gig - when I got the call to say I'd been cast in 'Tsha Tsha 3'. I was still in drama school and had an agent and that moment - when I got that call man, it really kicked off my career.

Tashi: What's your most memorable thing about being on 'Generations'?

Zolisa: I felt like I was a part of a really special family - like all the women, as beautiful as they are, they felt like my sisters. There was a cameradie and the many of the actors were like my mentors. I actually miss that about 'Generations' - more than being on stage even - being in the artists room, where you can feed off each other.

Tashi: What's the grooviest thing about playing Khutso on 'uGugu'?

Zolisa: The fact that I don't have a girlfriend in the show, I love that. I'm not saying that I don't ever want to have a love interest but for this one thing, it's the first role where I don't kiss or pursue anyone - even though its a love story.

Also playing opposite Luzuko Nkqeto, who plays Bullet - my second in command - I feed off him a lot, he's a great freind of mine and being on stage with him was thoroughly amazing.

Tashi: When last did you kiss someone?

Zolisa: Last weekend.

Tashi: Ooooh - who was it? Tell us.

Zolisa: It's no-one you'd know, I'm kinda dating someone but it's nothing serious. The sparks were flying high though - I'm not shy of expressing myself!