Prev Reddy transforms laughter into life lessons in new memoir

For years, Prev Reddy has been a household name, largely thanks to the gown-wearing, sharp-tongued force of nature known as Aunty Shamilla. But in 2026, Reddy is proving that man underneath has plenty more stories to tell.

In January, Reddy announced that he had signed a book deal with Pan Macmillan SA. The move wasn't a departure from comedy, but a response to a personal plateau.

He describes the pivot as a "growth issue" born from a phase where he felt he had conquered his current space but still hungered for more.

Unlike his stand-up, which thrives on laughs and relatable punchlines, his upcoming memoir is described as a coming-of-age story that details his journey through the entertainment industry and personal growth. 

"So much of my comedy has been about reflection of society and the things that we all find funny and the things that have happened to me that are relatable to everybody, and I think this book was an avenue where I didn't have to necessarily aim to be relatable to anybody.

"I just needed to write the things that happened to me through my eyes and my experience. That's the place it came from, rather than wanting my story to be told personally," shares Reddy. 

While the book’s title remains under wraps, its mission is transparent. Reddy wants to strip away the industry secrets and focus on the universal messiness of being human.

"I opted to keep it very singular in the sense that this is my experience without throwing names or secrets, and after reading the book, I want people to feel the way they would feel after leaving an 'Aunty Shamilla' show, which is that we are all the same.

"We are all flawed because we're all laughing at the things that we do, and we understand that the things that we do can sometimes sound chaotic, problematic or extreme when we say it out loud, but we laugh about it, we make peace and move on.

"I am just hoping that when people read this book, they see themselves in it through whatever lens and they can see that you can be, even if you are different."

This year also marks a significant homecoming for the star. After spending much of 2025 performing across the UK, Reddy is embracing a packed South African schedule that includes the book promotion, a national tour and a return to acting.

As a graduate of AFDA with a degree in film producing and scriptwriting, Reddy says that he is finally ready to merge his performance skills with his technical background.

He has already begun "toeing the line" in writers' rooms, having served as a contributing writer on an upcoming Netflix show.

"I want to fully get into film and TV- making. I studied film production, and I got a degree in film production and scriptwriting. I think I am ready to go into that aspect of filmmaking, both behind and in front of the camera. I've already started talking to people in the industry and sharing ideas.

"I was a contributing writer last year on a Netflix show that's coming out later this year, which was nice as I got to get my toes in writing rooms, which is what I am planning and hoping to achieve in the next two years." 

Success at this level, however, has required a major internal shift from Reddy.

He candidly spoke about the weight of overthinking, confessing that he used to measure the quality of a joke by how much he worried about the audience's reaction.

"The one thing I am trying to let go of is overthinking how audiences are going to receive something. I think that's the biggest weight on me. I used to think that if I didn't think about how someone was going to react or respond to the joke, good or bad, then it was not a good joke.

"It's not a healthy habit to have, so I've learned to stop that. I just tell myself that if I find it funny, then someone else will too." 

To stay grounded amidst the whirlwind of fame, which he admitted to briefly getting caught in two years ago, he says he leans heavily on his core friends and family.

"My friends and my family keep me grounded. I think that without a good circle of friends and a good support structure and family system, it is very hard to get lost in the noise that is this crazy entertainment industry.

"I did get lost in it two years ago, it's crazy, it's bizarre. You do realise, after the whirlwind, that at the end of the day, it's always the core people and your close friends that are there for you. Once you realise that, you just remain close to them, and so I'm grateful."

For the fans who think they’ve seen every trick in his bag, 2026 might hold a rhythmic surprise.

While Aunty Shamilla is famously known for her "bad" dancing, the person behind the persona is a different story entirely.

During rehearsals, he often dances "full out" with choreographers, leaving his team wondering why he hasn't showcased those skills on stage yet.

"I could probably do a full-on music video on TikTok, if I put my mind to it, to my surprise as well ... Maybe I'll do it this year, who knows."

As he navigates this new era of literature and film, Reddy’s message to the next generation of South African creatives remains rooted in grit.

He warns that if you are looking for stability or fame, the entertainment industry isn't the place for you.

"I've been saying this forever. If you want to do this, you have to be passionate about it. You don't have to be extremely talented. Some have natural talent, others learn, but if you are passionate about being in this industry, do it. If you are worried about stability and structure, this is not the place for you.

"It's about the craft, it's not about the money, it's not about the fame or the awards. It's about wanting the platform to do your job. My advice to anyone is don't do it for the fame or money, make sure you are passionate because you're never going to be fulfilled with those other things."