What are you working on lately?
A: Well, it has been a hectic first half of the year. I’m on a movie set in Enugu at the moment, so that’s what I’m working on right now. A few weeks ago, I was in Ghana where I shot Purple Rose. Days before I left for Accra, I had just finished shooting in Lagos and that particular film also featured Mercy Johnson. Before that, I was in Calabar for an interview on Ebony Life TV. This happened after an intense month of shooting Heaven’s Hell in Lagos and prior to that I was in Enugu where I played a humanitarian in a movie titled In Between. These last two films were very emotionally and physically demanding. I am eagerly looking forward to my next vacation.
At what point did you decide to go into acting full time?
A: It was in 2009, after Reloaded was released. It was my comeback movie. I really didn’t have any intentions of returning to acting , but the credit goes to Emem Isong, who coaxed me into doing it. With Reloaded, I must have done something right as I got decent reviews and the proverbial floodgates opened.
What exactly do you look for in a script before accepting it ?
A: Hmmm, this question has been popping up quite a bit lately. While I’m not overly picky, there are certain compromises I will not make when it comes to my job. A good script is my top priority. I believe in the “story over style” school of thought. The characters in the said script must have sufficient depth and the story must be believable and appealing. If you can give me a script with all of these, then I’m good to go.
Mr. and Mrs is one of my favorite movies and the way you interpreted your role in it was awesome. How did you prepare for that role?
A: I’m glad you liked it. Well, when I shot Mr and Mrs, I wasn’t married yet. So first, I had to get into the mind-set of a married woman, who loved her husband very much and wanted to keep her home and earn her dignity and self-worth back. Once that was done, internalizing the character was next, then learning my lines and showing up to work every day with a singular focus on doing my possible best. God did the rest.
You can be described as a very deep actress. Once a co-actor was quoted as saying ‘he wept while watching you act’. What’s the secret?
A: I’m a methodical actor and what this means for those of us who use this technique is that we imbibe our roles completely. We reach a point where we feel every emotion . It’s no longer a case of playing a role but becoming that role. Some people once told me they felt like I was in a trance while they watched me act a particularly difficult scene. If you watched a movie where I played the role of a victim of a traumatic event and you feel like “this is happening to Nse”, then my job is done.
A: Well that depends on if you mean my first or second coming (laughs). My first sojourn into acting went as all others go. I didn’t however stay long enough in Nollywood to be able to tell impressive stories of how I conquered challenges. When I returned, things went a lot easier. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but I’m thankful to God. I’ve been blessed.
What are your challenges in the movie industry?
A: I think the challenges are the same for everyone; funding, piracy and the likes. I however consider these growing pains. Nollywood is an infant compared to Hollywood. We’ve all got to give it some time. With improvements in technique, training and funding we will get there.
Was there a time you got so overwhelmed by those challenges you wanted to quit?
A: When I left acting after my very brief introductory stint, it wasn’t because of any particular challenge. I was younger and I wanted to try my hands on all sorts of things. The experience I gained from working in other fields helped put me in good stead.
What was your childhood like?
A: Growing up was wonderful, I had books and pets to occupy my mind and time. I come from a close-knit family. We were raised in love, so that has kept everyone grounded.
As a young child were you very popular or reserved?
A: I’d like to say I was both, but I was more inclined towards the reserved aspect. I liked to read a lot and it was a little bit difficult being the life of the party. (laughs) However, once in a while, I’d dropped my books long enough to be sure rapture hadn’t happened.
Congratulations on your marriage. What does it feel like getting married to your first love?
A: Thank you. It’s the best and most rewarding feeling I’ve ever felt. It feels like I’ve come full circle. I am thankful.
It’s the dream of many women that never came to reality but yours did . Would you say its sheer luck or you were just meant to be?
A: How many times have I mentioned God so far? Pardon me but I’ll also have to give Him credit for this. We are together because God has willed it to be so. I don’t think it’s due to sheer luck. A little bit maybe, but definitely a lot of God.
What’s your definition of true love?
A: Being able to be yourself when you’re with someone, without the fear of judgement. It is the comfort that comes from knowing that someone out there is thinking of you and cares deeply for you. It’s my husband.
What do you miss most about your spinsterhood?
A: Absolutely nothing, believe it or not but when I compare the two, there is nothing to miss. Being married means I no longer have to deal with life’s challenges on my own and I always have someone to share my happy moments with.
How have you been able to cope with being a wife and your career ?
A: I take it one day at a time. I know where my priorities lie and I make sure that I stay true to them.
Who do you look up to in the movie industry?
A: Internationally, I admire Meryl Strep and I like Steve Buscemi and Don Cheadle. When it comes to Nigeria, I’ll have to plead the fifth. There are way too many talented people over here to risk leaving out any names.
Do you have any regrets in life?
A: Regrets are a waste of time. Everything that has happened to me so far has led me to this point. Good, bad, difficult or pleasant. I would not be Nse if my past were to miraculously get altered. So no, I have no regrets.
Describe your personal style?
A: What I wear depends on the occasion and my role at the event. Otherwise, my style is somewhere between a tomboy and a Disney princess.
If you could be any designer’s muse, whose would it be and why?
A: I love Elie Saab. His dresses are so effortlessly chic. I also like to wear Wanger Ayu’s clothes. She gets my personal style every time.
A: I have three of them. I must put God first, without his grace, life is very difficult. Then I have to nurture my talent and get the necessary training I need to excel in my field and then work harder than everyone else. If you do these three things, then success is yours for the taking.
What advice do you have for people who look up to you?
A: I didn’t set out to be anyone’s role model so it is very pleasant to hear that people look up to me. I’d say that there is no substitute for hard work and a good name is indeed better than riches. Please stay true to yourself and the family that raised you. I know there are a lot of distractions for young people these days, but stay focused on the important things and it will be worth it.
Source: By Bolatito Adebayo via Sunday Sun online
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