Dineo Rasedile Steps Into Adulthood with ‘Law, Love & Betrayal’

Dineo Rasedile is embracing a new chapter in her acting career with her first adult role in the Showmax Original legal drama Law, Love & Betrayal (LLB). Known for playing teenage characters for over a decade, the 33-year-old actress is ready to showcase a different side of her talent.

Rasedile has portrayed youthful roles throughout her career, appearing as Yolanda in Ambitions, Andiswa in Saints and Sinners, Thuli in MTV Shuga Down South, Amogelang in The Estate, and Itu in Justice Served. However, in LLB, she steps into the shoes of Gugu Mabaso, a determined township lawyer from Tembisa who forces her way into a prestigious, family-owned law firm in Sandton. Gugu soon discovers that beneath the firm’s polished exterior lies a web of secrets, and she has some of her own.

In this new role, Rasedile leads a talented cast that includes Nimrod Nkosi (Isibaya, The Queen), Pearl Modiadie (Rhythm City, Generations, Scandal!), Anelisa Phewa (Ithemba, Unmarried), and Siya Sepotokele (The River, Impilo: The Scam).

When asked about her reaction to reading the script for the first time, Rasedile admitted to feeling nervous due to the legal jargon and the challenge of delivering lengthy monologues. However, after thoroughly preparing for the audition, she felt confident and ready to take on the role.

Gugu Mabaso, the character she portrays, is a strong, ambitious young woman who is navigating a journey of self-discovery while striving to make a name for herself in the legal field. Gugu’s mission is to advocate for those who can’t defend themselves, while also uncovering the truth about her own identity.

“This role is vastly different from any character I’ve played before. For the first ten years of my career, I was cast in roles that were much younger than my actual age. It required a different type of energy and approach. This year, I prayed for an opportunity to portray a grown-up character, and LLB felt like an answered prayer.”

Rasedile shares

Rasedile’s preparation for the role involved extensive research into the legal world. She watched performances by other actors who played similar roles, like Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich, to better understand the nuances of portraying a lawyer from a disadvantaged background fighting against powerful opponents. This research helped her tap into Gugu’s emotional journey and fully embody the character.

Despite the intense nature of the role, Rasedile finds similarities between herself and Gugu. Both are family-oriented, value loyalty, and have a strong sense of justice. However, she notes that Gugu is more impulsive, while she herself prefers to take a more considered approach.

Working with seasoned actors like Nimrod Nkosi and Siya Sepotokele has been a rewarding experience for Rasedile. She appreciates the positive and collaborative energy they bring to the set. Having shared screen time with Nkosi in previous projects, Rasedile was thrilled to work with him again, describing him as warm and open. Her chemistry with Sepotokele, who plays Gugu’s childhood sweetheart, was evident from their initial chemistry test, further enhancing their on-screen dynamic.

What excites Rasedile most about LLB is its unique focus on law, a genre not commonly explored in South African television. The show not only tells a compelling story but also educates viewers about real legal acts and cases, making it both entertaining and informative.

Law, Love & Betrayal is set to break new ground with its gripping narrative and diverse characters. For Rasedile, it represents a significant step forward in her career as she finally embraces her age and steps into her power as an adult actress.