marriage and career.
Before you started acting professionally, were you not
afraid of the Genevieves and Omotolas?
Everyone is cautious when they enter into a new world, but I
wouldn't go so far as to use the word 'afraid'.
There is the initial trepidation, but that comes more out of a
worry of not succeeding as opposed to a fear of the
competition.
I have a deep respect for everyone who paved the way for the
rest of us. You cannot take anything away from Genevieve or
Omotola, they are fantastic actresses.
What stands you out among other actresses?
Well, I think my fans will be more suited to answer this
particular question. I do not get a chance to watch a lot of my
work, so at best, I can only guess.
What do you miss most about being not popular?
I miss being anonymous. I miss not having to be so guarded.
Fame is a heavy cross, yes the perks make it pleasurable but
the demands on you and the loss of privacy are sometimes
difficult to live with. However, I chose this career, so I deal
with the consequences; good or bad.
What was your first movie role and how did you get it?
My first movie was called Venom Of Justice. It was right
after I graduated from the university. It was such a long time
ago and I can hardly remember the details of how I got it. But
I do know that I was very excited to be acting. This was of
course before my very long hiatus.
You worked in a radio station, bank and clothing store, at
what point in your life did acting find you?
I actually dabbled into acting before I went into broadcasting,
banking or retailing. My stint was very short, it was right after
I graduated from the university. Most people assume
Reloaded was my first movie but it was in fact, my comeback.
I got that role when Emem Isong insisted I had to play the
character, Omoze. I did not want to at first and after a whole
lot of coercing and yanking my chain, I caved in, look where
it got me (smiles).
How did growing up shape you to be the person you have
become?
Our past has a great deal to do with our present and future.
The values I hold dear, I imbibed them as a child and young
lady. I'm the eldest child, so I grew up with a fair deal of
responsibility placed on my shoulders early on. I think this
helped keep me grounded.
What is your definition of style?
Style is simply being comfortable in your own skin.
Tell us how are you coping as a wife and as an actress?
Women have been working and married for several years
now. It can be challenging, especially when it comes to time
management, but the important thing is to have a firm grip on
your priorities. I know what is important to me and I always
strive to keep that in focus.
What were the most challenging periods of your growing
up years?
Asides losing my dad, growing up was fairly uneventful.
You said your mum was your mentor. What are those things
that make you always remember her?
My mother is the strongest woman I know. She was a rock for
my siblings and I, she still is. She was always there for us, no
matter the situation ,you knew you could always run to mum.
As an actress, one can be so caught up with work, what are
your favourite relaxing spots?
I don't really go out. My schedule doesn't give me a lot of
downtime. So, when I do get some time off, I spend it with
family, sleeping or reading a good book.
You seem to be savouring your marriage, what has been the
most romantic gesture from your husband?
That's because I married my best friend. There are many
romantic gestures to pick from. Perhaps, one day, I'll write a
book and tell it all. But until then. it's my secret.
You once said your husband is the definition of true love,
what is true love?
Being with someone or people who love you completely and
never judge you. That is true love. There is a bible passage
that deals extensively with the subject of love. True love is all
that and more.
Between Ghanaian actors and Nigerian actors, who would you
describe as more romantic in movies?
I think the romance an actor portrays depends on the character
they're playing or the request of the director. I doubt it has
anything to do with the country that an actor is from. Acting
is universal and anyone can play a romantic role.
What is the inspiration behind your signature hairdo?
I had experimented with all sorts. At one point I was blonde.
Nothing really, I guess I just decided that if the hair I was
born with was good enough for my ancestors, then I might as
well give it a try. I do sport weaves when the roles call for it,
but when I'm Nse, this is the hair I'm comfortable with.
How much would it take to have you shave your hair for a
movie role?
There are implements and fashion accessories that mimic a
shaved head very well. I would rather use that than shave my
hair. In Hollywood, very rarely do you hear that an actor had
to go bald to pull off a look.
How does your hubby feel when you kiss other actors in
movies?
Same way I imagine every spouse who is married to an actor
should feel. But he understands that this is my job and if a
script calls for kissing, then it is work. However, there are
different ways to show affection, you must not lock lips to
show your feelings for a loved one. Skilled actors can show
this without resorting to kissing.
Are you getting fulfilled as an actress?
Yes I am. I have been blessed and I'm thankful for every day
I have spent chasing this dream. Of course, there are
challenges, but nothing good comes easy.
Asides acting, what else do you do? Is that not enough?
Bankers work as bankers and engineers work as engineers.
It is a full-time job and sometimes it is even more demanding
than a nine to five job.
You are no doubt good looking, young and homely, and
cannot avoid male fans, who has been the most adamant male
fan you have ever had.. and what was the experience with
him?
Thank you for these lovely compliments. I think I've been
lucky in the crazy fan department. My fans are very respectful
of my space and marital status, I don't have any horror stories
to share.
At what point in your life would you rest on your oars as an
actress?
When I'm dead; acting for me is like breathing. I'm most
alive when I'm pursuing my passion, which is acting. If I
were to quit doing this, then it would be for very strong
reasons.
What is your greatest indulgence? If I said my husband,
would that be allowed? I don't have an addictive personality,
so there really isn't anything that I indulge in regularly.
What is that thing that would make you spend millions of
naira?
It wouldn't be a thing, it would have to be a person.
The woman in the movie, Mr and Mrs was passion driven and
pained, could it have been an experience earlier in life?
I am a passionate person, friends and family can attest to this.
But I have only been married once, so it wasn't the result of
any early experience.
For that role, I tried to imagine myself as a woman who loved
her husband immensely and wanted to fight for her marriage.
And as soon I found that reserve, it was a question of tapping
into it.
Funniest thing you have read in the news about you? This
is a tricky question.
Yes! There have been so many, but I don't pay much attention
to what is in circulation about me.
You love to cook, don't you think you should pursue that
passion too?
I will, there are plans in the works to explore this part of me
publicly, but as soon as I have something concrete, you will
be the first to know.
No comments:
Post a Comment