I Never Allow Popularity Get To My Head- Mike Ezuruonye

As a young boy growing up, Mike Ezuruonye showed interest in acting right from his elementary school days. He was fond of writing scripts and working behind the camera but he never set out to take acting as a profession. But fate would lead him back to his flair when he was spotted by Ruke Amata. The rest like they say is history as Mike is now basking in relative fame. He opens up on his life, profession and other sundry issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

You always seem relaxed whenever you are on set or memorizing your lines; are you ever under any form of pressure?

I never put pressure on myself and I never allow whatever I do to affect me in any way. Sometimes pressure is always there but I have built myself to ignore it and concentrate on the work at hand. I know what to do and when to do it; that takes any form of pressure away if there is any at all. I regard myself as a regular even when I am on TV and I never allow popularity to get into my head.  

Did you ever envisage that you were going to get this far as an actor?

When I started out I noticed there was a lot of buzz around me and my person but I never allowed that to get to my head. I saw it coming but I always remained grounded. I owe my success to my family especially my mother who has been there for me through thick and thin. I have chosen to be grounded no matter what professional or financial height I have achieved or attained.

How do you feel now that you are basking in relative fame?

It is a wonderful feeling and I feel privileged to be among the very lucky few. I consider myself as the future of this great industry.

In your opinion what value does awards such as AMAA and AMVCA bring to the movie industry?

It extends the clientele of African arts and the movie industry as well. It also opens the window of African culture to the world at large and I am glad to have been honoured on such platforms.

Would it be okay to sum up that you have achieved this much as an actor because you got married very early?

I would say so because when you get hooked or married to the right person everything seems to fall into place and it gives you the opportunity to up and better your art which has been what I have been doing over the years. I decided to put the square peg in the square hole very early in life and that has given me stability which has helped the growth of my career.

What does it feel like being a father?

It is a beautiful feeling to be a father; it brings out the best in you. It feels good having kids and knowing you have to take care of them. And I always say this anytime and any day that I live for my family.

What jobs have you been involved in recently and what should your fans expect from them?

I have done a couple of cinema movies in recent times and cinema movies seem to be the trend now. I took some time out to partake in such productions and the one I did with Omoni Oboli is out now. Like I said, I always figure out things and how they will work for me in my scale of preference and take it from there.

What challenges you as an actor?

It is the ability to play dual roles and to be able to effectively deliver your lines. I like scripts that bring out the best in me. I am not an actor that likes to be clichéd; I like to display my versatility and proficiency as an actor.

The general elections are around the corner and most of your colleagues in Nollywood are taking sides. What’s your take on that development?

(Laughs) I know you know my position on that and who I support. If you watch the advert running on air now you know who I support. I wholeheartedly support President Jonathan and I support him to continue his transformation agenda.

Is acting worth the stress?

Sure it is worth the stress; people should indulge in whatever positive thing that makes them happy. Being on set makes me happy; it brings out the best in me. It makes me come alive and I love the set life experience. But in all, one should be able to strike a work life (family) balance.

Has your looks ever gotten you into any trouble especially with ladies?

It happens sometimes but I know when to draw the line; I wouldn’t anything to compromise my marriage. I try to be accommodating and friendly but I know when to draw the line because as you know some female fans can be overzealous.

Was acting what you set out to do in the first instance?

No. Acting was not what I set out to do in the first instance.

What was it then?

I initially had a stint in the corporate world in a shipping company and as a banker before I crossed over to the movie industry.

So what got you attracted to the movie industry?

I got dragged into the movie industry by Ruke Amata. He was my faith coach when I was very young and I am here thanking him for discovering and believing in my talent. Without him, I don’t think I would have become an actor.