How I Accidentally Became An Actress- Chiamaka Nwokeukwu

Fast rising fair skinned thespian, Chiamaka Nwokeukwu is seriously working to carve a desirable niche for herself on the movie scene. The talented actress who came to limelight by featuring in the movie titled The Shy Virgin opens up on a host of issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

You just received and award recently in America; tell us about it?

I was nominated by AFRIFIMO (African film/music festival awards) in the Best Actress category alongside Martha Ankomah and Sellasie Ibrahim. I was also nominated in the Best Lead Actress category and People's Choice category but I eventually won in the Best Actress category. It was a fulfilling moment for me. The awards ceremony was staged in laurel Maryland USA.

How have you been able to remain relevant on the movie scene ever since you made your first appearance on the movie scene?

When I am given a script, I try all my best to get used to the character so that I can be able to interprete it well. I study it over and over again till I get used to it so that I can impress the viewers and the director. I think my ability to effectively deliver my lines has been the magic for me.

How did you get your first movie role?

I escorted my friend to an audition not having in mind to be auditioned. When I got there, I saw lots of pretty girl with nice wears and I wasn't even dressed well. My friend encouraged me to give it a try because the auditions were free afterall. So I got involved in the auditions and surprisingly I was called afterwards for a movie role and my friend wasn't even called.

Were you jittery onset when you started?

Yes! I was so scared of the camera and girls will always laugh at me saying I am not a good actress. Sometimes the DOP made jest of me, but I was determined to make my mark despite the initial fears that I harbored. It is all natural for me now; I can stand professionally anywhere to interprete a movie role.

So how have you been faring in the already saturated movie industry?

In the movie industry, if you don't have God you can never go far because it's full of competitions, jealousy and evil deeds. I always anoint my head with oil blessed by my pastor before going to any movie location.

How helpful were your older colleagues towards your growth and development?  
Some were encouraging and some were frustrating but I have learnt so much from some of the stars I have worked with. Their courage and the way they deliver their lines with confidence. Infact it's always fun working with such professionals

Have you been part of any movie set in recent times?

Yes. I just finished a movie The Wanted Girl and The Perfect Snake produced by Naidoh film production before I traveled for the award ceremony in America.

Which movie gave you the big break?

My Unborn Son and Chinelo The Shy Virgin brought me to lime light. It is fun to hear your fans call you by the names you bear in a movie. That shows they really enjoyed watching the movie.

Was your ambition to become an actress for the money, fame or professional fulfillment?  

I never wanted to be an actress because of the money or fame, acting is a God's given talent. I noticed that I had the talent and I worked towards it. It is always fun standing in front of cameras and acting and in the process of doing the money and fame naturally adds up.

Has acting been a lucrative venture for you thus far?

For now it's not very profitable because am still on my way to becoming a super star. All the super stars that earn millions of naira now started as up comers. They didn't just become stars all of a sudden. I believe in God and the fact that, very soon, I will get there.

Do you have any unrealised dreams as a budding actress?

I had a dream of going to America which has come to reality, I still have a dream of soon becoming a chartered accountant. Very soon, I will be a graduate of National Open University of Nigeria. I also want to become an ambassador for viable brand.

What's your opinion of sex for movie roles which has become rampant in Nollywood?

Sex is not by force; they don't rape you or force you to have sex. If you are asked to and you are not interested, you can walk away. No body is a kid in the industry

As an actress, are there some roles you consider as 'forbidden'?

I can never go nude in any scene, I made that promise to my mum and I intend to keep it.

What are your thoughts on going nude on set?  

It's very strange to see girls go nude in movies. The world is watching; it's bad especially for single girls 

Are u in any serious relationship?

No. I am not in a relationship at the moment.

What's characteristics should your ideal man possess?

He should be God fearing, gentle, honest, loving, caring and should be a giver.

What do you consider to be the meaning of love?

Love is a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person.

Have you had any sorrowful experience in recent times?

No. I have not had any sorrowful experience in recent times.

Are there any vices you'd like to drop personally?

I am a very shy girl and I really need to drop that. I need to be more bold and daring.

What do you consider to be your selling point as an actress?

That would be my intonation and my complexion.

Tell about growing up; were you born with silver spoon?

I was born with a silver spoon but things turned out differently after I lost my dad. It was then I was exposed to the life of struggling, faced different challenges but I thank God because He never left me, He was always there for me.

What were the challenges you faced as an upcoming actress?

It was challenging being an up coming actress in the industry. At times, I never had money to take a cabs home after shooting a scene or two. There were times I couldn't afford to buy nice wears and shoes to meet up with to other actresses, but as time went on, I started earning from the acting.

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN