He is thrilled to have bagged his first acting role.  Former YoTV presenter, TV host, and lifestyle content creator, Diolan Govender (21) now features in the new Netflix show, Miseducation, released on Friday 15 September streaming in 190 countries right now. 

WORTH THE WAIT

He is more than ready to take on the on the next chapter in his career as an actor, a chapter that marks eloquence, sophistication and poise. He was on YoTV for two years and left in 2021. This is his first acting role and he can't wait to show off his acting skills. "I've always known the heights that my craft is going to take me to. More importantly, I've been steadfast in believing in my abilities," he says. While he believes that his journey has been slower than he expected, it is moments like this that make it all worth it. "I'm honoured to have landed my acting debut on such a magnanimous platform like Netflix where I play Shaan, an adventurous lad who is always down to tickle his mischievous side, no matter how inconsiderate it may be to others."

HIS ACTING DEBUT

Starting his journey in the pageant world, Diolan became the first Indian crowned Mister Teen World in 2018. From there he hosted SABC 1's long-running youth show, YoTV, while completing his studies in Media at Wits University. His new role is a charismatic and audacious stud, contributing significantly to the narrative of one of the central characters. The starring cast includes Buntu Petse as Mbali Hadebe, Lunga Shabalala as Sivu Levine, Baby Cele as Brenda Hadebe, Prev Reddy as Jay, Mpho Sebeng as Caesar, and Micaela Tucker as Natalie. "I think that there are many layers to Shaan that aren't necessarily shown on the show but more so, many layers that he doesn't allow people to tap into," he says. "Similarly, we all can take a piece of that with us - as we're all going through something but don't necessarily open up to the world about it."

THE TEEN COMEDY-DRAMA

The teen comedy-drama follows a young, self-absorbed, first-year varsity student who, after a fall from grace at her previous elite private school, embarks on a mission to climb the social ranks at a small-town university, in the hopes of being the stand-out, popular girl she used to be. Thrust into varsity, with new challenges, Mbali Hadebe and her new, eclectic clique of friends, try to overcome various young adult struggles, while coming to terms with who they want to be and how they want to be perceived. His career thus far has been one of the faces of the most iconic youth-focused show in the nation. "It has been the highlight of my career indeed. YoTV was my breakthrough into the industry and will always remain the starting point of my story in this career path. I'm yet to experience the low lights of fame but thus far, I consider myself a rising star, instead of someone who is characterised by my fame."