V - cover star
BEAUTIFUL BEING Val de Vie chats to actress, model and cover star Tanya van Graan
You grew up on a game farm How do you prepare in Mpumalanga. How did you for different acting roles? end up in the entertainment industry? Being versatile and multitalented is important, as is passion Growing up on a game farm was such a perfect launching
and determination. You never know what to expect from
pad for my dreams. I was less influenced by the world
possible future roles; the only way is to sharpen your skills
because I was surrounded by nature. I had space to be my
and be ready for whatever comes. Often there isn’t much
own creative self and I started to dream my own big dreams.
time to prepare.
After high school, I studied musical theatre and later moved on to studying film. Modelling was a pretty natural extension of my career.
Do you prefer acting in theatre productions or in movies?
What is it like to be judged and criticised? While I was studying to be an actress, I was taught how to become a performer, but not really how to deal with criticism. Through my years of working I had to teach myself the skills
I love both fields, and respect and appreciate each for its
that now help me differentiate between constructive and
different demands and challenges. I have worked in both,
destructive criticism.
and feel they bring different kinds of satisfaction and ask
I love the journey of the character, the constant learning
How did you meet your fiancé (Kasper Kristoffersen, managing partner and founder at Caven Capital)?
and growing.
I could say I met Kasper by chance but that would give
for different levels of skill and endurance. But I have grown to favour acting in film. I love the subtlety and constant change of environment, where no two days are the same.
What are some of the challenges of your industry?
plan for our lives. We met through a mutual friend while
different areas within the entertainment world bring their
good day!
spotlight, which gives it a lot of attention in the media and
Is Kasper behind your recent love of polo?
on social networks. Your whole life becomes a subject of
Kasper’s love for playing polo introduced me to the sport.
discussion and leaves you open to be judged. But I have
I have always had a love for horses, so it was only natural that
learnt it’s a powerful platform to inspire and help others –
I would fall in love with polo and the lifestyle that comes
it’s what you do with these challenges that makes all of it
with it.
worth it in the end.
so it was only natural
he was on holiday in South Africa. On that day I met my greatest love, best friend and husband-to-be – it was a very
it becomes a part of your world. Our industry is in the
had a love for horses,
‘chance’ too much credit for what I believe was God’s perfect
It’s different for each person as different levels of success and own challenges. It’s not something you think about because
‘I have always
It’s a very competitive industry. What, in your opinion, does it take to succeed?
Tell us about your upcoming wedding. Are you planning a big celebrity bash or something more low-key?
I believe you have to know where your talent lies. You tend
We’ve decided on a small, intimate wedding. This is the
to love what you do when you’re good at it. When you’re
one day that is completely ours – it’s about the promises we
passionate about what you do, you can get through any
make to each other, and about celebrating our love with the
challenges, both good or bad, and success will follow. I believe
people who are closest to us. I have no desire to impress the
that if you pursue your talents and live out your life driven
world with my wedding, celebrity or not. I’m looking
by purpose, you can find true happiness and be able to
forward to spending it with my love and those who will
accomplish great things.
rejoice with us.
that I would fall in love with polo and the lifestyle that comes with it’
val de vie
tanya_23/03_FINAL.indd 85
85
2013/03/27 10:48 AM