For many, Papa Shirandula is a featured traction on Citizen TV that has birthed a number of characters that we have come to love on screen.
However, after the show ended in 2020, a section of the fans are now wondering what the majority of actors have been up to. In the case of Papa Shirandula actress Hanita Mwaniki, popularly known as Wafirethi, she recounted the time she was abruptly fired from the show after a 13 year stint.
Speaking on Hiram Maina's Youtube channel, she noted that at the time in 2019, she had not planned herself financially hence the firing came as a big blow.
"I wasn't given a notice that as of this day, my services were no longer needed. It was abruptly stopped. It was very unfortunate as I had not planned myself for such an outcome," she stated.
Mwaniki noted that she faced turbulent times trying to stay afloat and raising her family.
The celebrated actress also decried the current state of the industry, noting that most actors portray a facade of their lifestyle but in reality are struggling to make ends meet.
Further, she disclosed that during her 13-year period at the Papa Shirandula show, they were paid per episode at different rates. She divulged that they were paid an average of Ksh15,000 per episode.
"In a month, you would be paid four times, but at times you would feature in one episode hence it would be difficult to cater for the bills and expenses with a Ksh15,000 income," she pointed out.
Mwaniki credited her acting role in Papa Shirandula to popular actor, Kenneth Gichoya, known to many as Njoro, who notified her of the role- as he predicted that she would be a great fit.
"Njoro and I had been great friends for a while, so he notified me of the chance and I went for the auditions. At first it was tough but after one take, they decided to hire me for the role," she stated.
The actress affirmed that in order to make ends meet in the industry, one has to have multiple sources of income.
"As an actor, it's better if you have a side hustle in order to cater for your needs," she detailed.
Highlighting her career, the actress revealed that she was raised by a single mother in a family of three children. However, life went into turmoil when her mother passed away.
Mwaniki alongside her sisters were taken in by their uncle, Peter Koomo, who paid her fees to study at Ndararua Primary and later enrolling at Maasai Girls High school. Years later, her uncle also passed away which forced Mwaniki to take up menial jobs in Nairobi in order to fend for her siblings.
A section of actors have in the recent past come out to reveal their debilitating state- creating a conversation around the plight of many celebrities within the industry.
