Comedy star Prev Reddy's next chapter: secures debut book deal

SAFTA-winning comedian Prev Reddy, known for his alter-ego Aunty Shamilla, has signed his first book deal with Pan Macmillan SA.

The upcoming comedy memoir will tell his coming-of-age story, marking another creative milestone for the multi-talented performer, who won Best Actor in a TV Comedy for Netflix's Miseducation. 

He said the deal was struck a day after his birthday on November 11, but he chose to make the announcement yesterday (Monday). 

"Signed a book deal with Pan Macmillan SA (screams internally and also externally!!)," he posted.

"This story has been many years in the making, and I’m so glad we’re finally close to bringing it into the world. The news landed the day after my birthday, so I didn’t even get a chance to ease into being a year older before life shouted, 'Work. Now.' I’m excited, nervous and almost done! More soon xx."

Speaking to the POST, Reddy said: "The best way to describe it is as a coming-of-age story. Telling this particular story has always been on my mind. I’ve been very fortunate to have a wonderful career across many mediums of entertainment, and I always knew there were different ways I could tell it, but a book felt right.

"Last year, I spent a month in London touring and reading a lot. When I came back, something clicked and I thought, why not try telling this story through a book? I personally love being told a story in that way, and it felt like the right moment to finally sit with it and do it properly.

"I am going to be that person and say this book will appeal to everyone. My work online has taught me not to assume my audience. Every comedy show, every Aunty Shamilla show, is always a complete mix of ages, genders and races. I’d like to think my work has always appealed broadly, and this book is no different. Like all my content and shows, it has heart, and I believe that is what allows it to connect with people across different backgrounds." 

He said like every aspiring author, he had to go through submissions. 

"I followed the standard channels and initially sent through the first three chapters along with a detailed outline of the book. After a few weeks, I heard back from my now-publisher, who said the team liked what they had read and wanted to see the full manuscript, which I already had a completed draft of. After another few weeks of silence, we finally received the news that they loved the full manuscript and that the book had been officially greenlit by the team." 

Reddy is now focussed on perfecting his debut book. 

"I approach this with the same attention to detail I give my stand-up, acting, and content. I think books are extremely important and should be treated as such. If you are contributing something solid as a book to the world, you have to do it with your A-game or not at all. Right now, I am fully focused on finalising everything before it goes to my editor.

"The manuscript deadline is quickly approaching. My hope is that the book reaches the people it’s meant to reach. Just as my previous work has found its audience and been welcomed, I hope this book does the same, in its own way and in its own time."

Aside from the book, he is involved in a film that is currently in pre-production and scheduled to start filming later this year. 

"And, of course, there are more comedy shows on the horizon, though nothing is confirmed just yet." 

His advice to aspiring authors: "Do not be scared to pivot, no matter your age. Writing this book was scary because it’s not what I’ve done before. But I have seen so many people my age feel stuck in places they don’t want to be because they are afraid of the unknown. My advice is to do it. If you are not enjoying your limited time here on earth, then you really have nothing to lose."

Reddy won the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite African Social Star in 2020. He won a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actor in a TV Comedy in 2024 for his role in Netflix's Miseducation.

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