Durban North’s drama queen is all about the arts

A YOUNG actor, singer and dancer from Durban North, who wants more than anything to hit the big screen with her own movie script in the near future, is working very hard to ensure that her dream comes true.

Geaneviv Aleece Pillay, who is a hit with her fans on TikTok and Instagram, shared with Northglen News some of the things she’s been doing in order to reach the top.

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“I’m a Bachelor of Arts student at UKZN, Howard campus. My majors are music and performing arts. Since Covid, my studies have been online which enables me to work and pay for my own studies. I am a hostess at a popular restaurant in uMhlanga,” said Pillay.

The 22-year-old is also involved in brand collaboration, marketing and event appearances and also runs her own marketing gigs on the side.

“I have to work hard, network and put myself out there if I want to achieve my goals. My parents have given me all the support and love growing up, and now, I’m old enough to make things happen for myself,” she said.

Growing up, Pillay said she was surrounded by creativity in both her parents.

“Both my parents are creative. My dad sang at church and played guitar from a young age He introduced me to world of music. My mom comes alive on the stage, and she also dances,” she said.

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After matriculating from Northlands Girls’ in 2017, Pillay said her father wanted her to study towards a business degree.

“I was an academic and a creative in school, and naturally, my dad, out of concern, advised me to do business as it would provide a more steady income. My heart, however, is in the arts, and I decided to follow my passion,” she said.

Before heading to university, Pillay decided she would spread her wings, and she went on to au pair in Chicago for a year. She also worked in the family business.

“I took care of three children in Chicago. The experience of being on my own, and having to make life-altering decisions at the age of 19, shaped me to become the strong, independent woman that I am today,” she added.

Speaking about the acting world, the thespian is no stranger to the stage and has acted in numerous plays at the Playhouse Theatre as well as co-directed before.

“I love theatre. You get an immediate response from your audience as to whether they like your performance or not. It’s different from movies where you have to wait until the movie has been released. I acted in a short film called Shadow when I was 16, and I’m hoping to see myself on the big screen soon, as well as write my own script. That’s when I knew I wanted to do theatre and movies,” she added.

“You have to network with the right people if you want to get in. There’s definitely a clique, but I am sticking to my talent and skill to get me to the places where I need to be. I won’t compromise my morals, ethics and values to make it to the top,” said Pillay.

You can find the drama queen on TikTok, where you will discover she’s followed by nearly 50 000 users.

Here you’ll see her promotions and collaborations, her dramatic side and a bit of her personal life where she recently shared her engagement.

“In this world, I know that I will probably get 50 nos until I finally get that yes that I’ve been waiting for; that’s why I celebrate even the smallest victories. I still ask myself what am I actually doing with my life, but I will not give up on my dream. I will persevere,” she said.

Going forward, Pillay wants to be a role model to younger women by showing them that it’s okay to be a little crazy sometimes and to embrace it.

“Don’t become a watered-down version of yourself because you’re afraid people may not like you for who you are,” she said.

Follow Pillay on TikTok: Geaneviv.Aleece and Instagram: Geaneviv_Aleece