Leeanda Reddy is a celebrated South African actress and versatile performer whose career spans television, film, theatre and corporate entertainment. She won the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Lead Actress in a Soap in 2016 for her acclaimed role as Priyanka Kumar on SABC 3’s Isidingo.
Her screen presence extends to international film work, including roles alongside Naomi Watts in Diana, Boris Kodjoe in Cape Town, and a lead role opposite Leon Schuster in the box office hit Mr Bones 2. She recently filmed scenes for The Dark Tower with Idris Elba.
On stage, Reddy has performed on major South African platforms and toured internationally in India and Edinburgh. As co-owner of Mustard Seed Productions, she writes, directs and produces highly regarded theatre pieces that foreground her command of character, narrative and performance craft.
Leeanda Reddy won a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2016 for Best Lead Actress in a Soap. She is a popular screen and stage actress, well known for her role as Priyanka Kumar on SABC 3’s Isidingo.
Her film credits include featuring alongside Naomi Watts in Diana, a supporting role alongside Boris Kodjoe and Tront van Espeim in Cape Town (based on Deon Meyer’s crime thriller series). She was also the lead actress opposite Leon Schuster in the blockbuster Mr Bones 2. She has just recently filmed set of Dark Tower with Idris Elba.
Leeanda Reddy has a diverse performance career in television, film, theatre and corporate entertainment. The theatre has seen her perform on major stages throughout South Africa and abroad in India and Edinburgh, Scotland.
Leeanda is the co-owner of Mustard Seed Productions where she writes, directs and produces acclaimed stage productions. She is a BA Honours (Speech & Drama) graduate from the University of Natal (Durban) with majors in Linguistics and Drama.
Leeanda “On the Edge” can offer excerpts from her hit one-woman show called “on the Edge” which revolves around the life stories of thirty different women, or she can prepare a talk including comedy, tailored to the audience.
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This 7 minute 10 second feature follows Leeanda Reddy as she offers a lively, personal look at her dual life as an award-winning performer and entrepreneur. The video opens with a narrative introduction highlighting her versatility and wide-ranging career. When the host, Michelle, arrives at a Midrand restaurant expecting an interview, she finds Reddy in the kitchen assisting the chef, underscoring her hands-on approach to business.
Reddy explains that her passion for food began in childhood, where family gatherings centered around shared meals. She and her partners built the restaurant as a place where guests could enjoy not just good food but a memorable, social experience. Although best known for her acting, she notes that a business mindset has always been part of her professional foundation. As an artist with her own production company, she learned early that managing one’s career requires entrepreneurial thinking.
Over a meal, Reddy reflects on her upbringing, describing herself as an energetic child who loved performing and making people laugh. She recounts her theatrical beginnings after studying drama at the University of Natal, landing early stage roles at major South African venues before transitioning into television presenting and eventually into dramatic acting. Footage from Isidingo illustrates the contrast between Reddy’s warm personality and the firm, resolute character she portrayed on-screen. She acknowledges that any believable performance inevitably draws on part of the actor’s inner life, even when the character differs greatly.
Michelle then asks about balancing her many roles—actor, entrepreneur and mother. Reddy shares that structure, conscious boundaries and prioritizing family are essential, though she admits it remains a work in progress. Demonstrating her openness to new experiences, she joins Michelle for trampoline-based activities, embracing the challenge with humor and enthusiasm.
The segment concludes with Reddy outlining what’s next: continued work at the restaurant, more on-screen acting and the development of a new comedy film she is co-writing and co-producing. The feature closes with mutual appreciation and a toast to future success.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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