Jailoshini Naidoo is an award-winning South African actress, comedian, presenter and highly experienced corporate MC, with a career spanning television, film, radio and theatre. A household name particularly recognised for her warmth, humour and charismatic presenting style, she is perhaps best known internationally as Jennifer Kandasamy in the hugely popular Kandasamys film franchise.
Born and raised in Chatsworth, Durban, Jailoshini studied at the University of Durban-Westville, graduating with a Bachelor of Pedagogics, majoring in English, Education and Speech & Drama. She initially worked as an English and Drama teacher before establishing herself professionally in entertainment.
Television, Film & Radio
Jailoshini became a familiar television personality through her long-running role as a presenter on SABC2’s Eastern Mosaic and later Mela. Her television acting career includes five seasons as Nirupa Rampersad in e.tv’s Imbewu: The Seed, as well as appearances in the international action series Strike Back and Netflix’s Justice Served.
Her role as Jennifer Kandasamy in 2017’s Keeping Up with the Kandasamys became one of her defining screen performances. She reprised the character in Kandasamys: The Wedding, Trippin’ with the Kandasamys and Kandasamys: The Baby, for which she was also a co-writer.
She also enjoyed a successful career with Lotus FM, before departing the station in 2024 to pursue other business opportunities.
Theatre & Comedy
An accomplished stage actress and comedian, Jailoshini has performed at major venues including The Market Theatre, Baxter Theatre and The Playhouse, as well as the National Arts Festival and Hilton Arts Festival. Her acclaimed one-woman production 1949 saw her portray an extraordinary 38 different characters, while At the Edge and Other Cato Manor Stories again demonstrated her versatility through more than 30 characters.
Her theatre career has brought numerous nominations and awards, including recognition at the Durban Theatre Awards and a Golden Peacock Award for her contribution to the arts.
Corporate MC
Jailoshini is also a seasoned corporate MC and event host, bringing together her broadcasting professionalism and natural comedic ability. Her corporate portfolio has included events for Emirates, ABSA, Eskom, Sanlam, Old Mutual, ACSA, PwC, Standard Bank and Air Mauritius, among others.
She additionally delivers motivational talks, communication and presentation workshops, confidence training and media coaching, making her particularly versatile for conferences and leadership events.
Career Highlights: Kandasamys film franchise • Imbewu: The Seed • Eastern Mosaic • Lotus FM • Strike Back • Award-winning theatre performer • Stand-up comedian • Corporate MC • Writer & voice artist
Ideal for: Corporate MC • Awards Ceremonies • Gala Dinners • Conferences • Comedy Entertainment • Women’s Events • Cultural Events • Motivational Speaking • Communication Workshops
