Claudine de Groot is a beauty therapist who recently featured in a feature film for the first time. The newcomer was so impressive that she managed to scoop the leading female role in ‘Hairareb’.
A film by award-winning director Oshoveli Shipoh, ‘Hairareb’ features legendary film and theatre icon David Ndjavera as the title character and De Groot as his bride /Ininis. The film explores themes of love, jealousy, loss, materialism and betrayal.
De Groot said she is ready for the industry and plans to work on more films.
The 29-year-old describes herself as a spontaneous, loving and hardworking dreamer who loves pizza. “I also enjoy to paint and play with my dog, Versace.”
“Whenever I would watch an inspirational film, I would imagine myself in it,” she said with an ambitious smile. De Groot, who has a younger brother, describes her parents as “the best parents in the entire universe”.
“Growing up, I never lacked anything. Love was always given from my parents. My life was a typical Barbie girl fantasy. When I was younger, I did sports and loved dancing; I still do.”
De Groot said she has been making appearances in music videos since she was 19. “I was like if I can do music videos, how about actually acting in a movie? I tried my luck and auditioned for ‘Hairareb’ last September.”
On her audition, the Windhoek-born beauty said one of the main things she can remember is that she was nervous. “I liked everything about my role. There was drama, passion and truth.”
She added that she could relate to /Ininis as the character is beautiful, caring and a risk-taker.
Landing the leading role has shown her the importance of believing in yourself and being the best version of yourself, she said. “Acting is so much fun. You get to know yourself better on other levels. I had the best time filming with the ‘Hairareb’ team. It made me realise how important teamwork is.”
The owner of Exquisite Beauty near the Old Power Station in Windhoek, the former Shadonai Beauty School student said she decided to go into the beauty industry because back then she could see herself happily working in the field. “I have been in the industry for 10 years now. I am passionate about my job. It is not only my job, but my hobby.”
Something the former Dr Lemmer High School pupil learnt over the years is to be humble, respectful and to love yourself. “ I believe in working hard. If you put your mind, body and soul into a project, you will reap fruits.”
On her plans for the next three years, De Groot said she wants to star in more films, get married and have babies.
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