Shashi Naidoo is a prominent South African media personality celebrated for her multifaceted roles as an actress, TV presenter, model, entrepreneur, and fashion blogger. She first garnered national attention in 2002 as co-host of the E! TV magazine show 20 Something. Naidoo later hosted the MTV VJ Search, a competitive show that aimed to discover new video jockeys for the channel, further establishing her as a household name in South Africa.
Shashi Naidoo Biography
| Full Name: | Shashi Naidoo |
| Height: | 1.60 m |
| Parents: | Harry Naidoo, Punji Naidoo |
| Siblings: | Anthosh Naidoo |
| Husband • Spouse: | Mark Sandler (m. 2009–2011) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Ismail Hendricks (ex.) |
| Occupation: | Actress • TV Personality |
Early Life
Shashi Naidoo (born November 4, 1979, 46 years old) in Port Elizabeth, Naidoo graduated from Alexander Road High School in 1997. She moved to Johannesburg to pursue a degree in chiropractic medicine, graduating from the University of Johannesburg in 2007. This academic background showcases her diverse interests and commitment to education.
Career Highlights
Naidoo’s career took off in 2004 when she portrayed Linda McGinty on the E.TV soap Backstage. She subsequently appeared in Generations and had a minor role in the mini-series Society (2007).
Her versatility was evident when she co-hosted the youth magazine show EMS Volume 1 on SABC 1, which debuted on 2 October 2007. In 2008, she joined the cast of the MNET soap Egoli, playing Sureshni Patel, solidifying her status as a talented actress.
As a model, Naidoo has been featured in numerous advertising campaigns and was voted one of FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World in 2008 and 2009. She graced the covers of Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated. She won significant accolades, including the January 2009 and February 2010 issues of Playboy. Furthermore, Naidoo co-hosts the SABC3 TV show Tongue in Cheek, engaging with contemporary societal issues through humor and discussion.
Personal Life
Naidoo practices Hinduism and has had public relationships, including a marriage to Mark Sandler in December 2009, which ended in divorce in 2011. Her personal experiences have informed her public persona, allowing her to connect authentically with her audience.
Media Controversies
Naidoo’s career has been subject to controversy. In 2018, she faced backlash for her comments about Israel on social media, leading to accusations of being pro-Israel and a lack of understanding of the region’s complexities. Following public outcry, she issued an apology, acknowledging her mistakes.
In 2019, she was suspended from Idols SA after comments deemed as victim-blaming in discussions surrounding gender-based violence. She later regretted her statements, highlighting the importance of sensitivity in conversations about such critical issues.
In 2024, she took to social media to inform her fans that Phone thieves had ‘cleaned out’ over R500,000 from her bank accounts without needing passwords shortly after she arrived in Sandton.
Awards and Recognition
Shashi Naidoo has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2006, she was listed among South Africa’s “Top 100 Young Professionals” by the Mail and Guardian. She earned a nomination for the Duku Duku Award for her role on Top Billing. She was nominated for a South African Film and Television Award for Best TV Presenter 2008. In 2010, she was recognized as one of South Africa’s “Top 50 Women in Business” by Cosmopolitan. In 2015, she received the Visionary Award from the Institute of Marketing Management.
Social Media Presence
Naidoo maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with her fans and sharing insights into her life and career. You can follow her on:
Net Worth
Shashi Naidoo’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her diverse career spanning television, modeling, and entrepreneurship has contributed to her financial success, making her one of South Africa’s most recognized celebrities.
FAQs
How did Shashi Naidoo make her money?
Naidoo is the sole owner of Alushi Management, a modeling agency that started with 5 models in 2008 and now represents over 400 models and celebrities.
