Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha is one actress known for acting meek and ‘cry cry’ roles. The Banking and Finance graduate told Adunola Fasuyi that contrary to people’s views that she can only act meek roles in movies, she is also a versatile actress that can act other roles.
Can you tell us what your childhood was like?
I grew up in a very large family, a Christian one and although, we were not rich, my siblings and I were contented with what our parents had to offer.
My childhood was pretty normal, as I did all a child would do; read books, did my homework. I ran errands and did my chores properly and on time too and I also played hard like other kids of my age did.
What about your educational background?
I did my primary school at Onward Nursery and Primary School, where I moved on to Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha, for my secondary education and later graduated from Lagos State University where I studied Banking and Finance.
Can you tell us how your journey into acting started considering the fact that you studied Banking and Finance?
I had always dreamt of being on TV, so when I went for my first audition in 1998, it further confirmed my desire to be in the field of arts. I played little Skita and minor roles until I played my first major role in 2000, in the movie; ‘THE APPLE’, directed by Lancelot Oduah-Imasuen and produced by Theodore Anyanji.
After my first audition in 1998, I didn’t do much because I didn’t know anyone and how to go about anything, in the sense that I didn’t know where and what time to get to the audition grounds. But I was determined to make it on my own, with or without help from those who were already there.
So, on this fateful day, on my way to school, a producer called me for an audition and there I did my first major role and there has been no stopping me since then.
How did your parents take the news that you would take up acting as a professional career?
My parents frowned on the idea of going into the movie industry. My mother in particular was of the opinion that young girls in the profession are regarded as loose and never seen as being able to settle down in a home.
Eventually, my parents were able to accept it because I promised not to let them down. Not that I won’t do anything wrong or that I am not capable of failing, but only by the grace of God I was able to make it.
So, if you look back now, would you say the acting profession has been quite rewarding for you?
I must confess that the industry has been very rewarding. I can afford a lifestyle I ordinarily wouldn’t have been able to. Huge rewards, I can’t even begin to mention them. I do have other things I’m into alongside being an actress, but sorry, I won’t disclose them.
By and large, how would you rate the development in Nollywood in terms of content and production?
Nollywood has come a long way, a very long way. I mean, out of absolute nothing springs a great industry that is rated third in the world.
This goes to show that Nollywood has come to stay and if and when the neccessary support comes, it will be simply explosive. But in the same breath, we still have a lot of work to do.
In terms of content, technical know-how, production, detailing, professionalism (craftmanship), we still need to do more to meet up with Bollywood and Hollywood. Well, it shouldn’t be all about matching up now, but raising our standards. We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to development.
What about the two factions of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) presently existing in the industry? What are the likely implications for the industry since there seems to be no unity?
I do not have anything to say when it comes to the two factions in the AGN presently. I don’t delve into matters this sensitive. This shouldn’t be, though. A body cannot have two heads. There won’t be unity.
How do you think the menace of piracy can be addressed so that movie producers can have a better life in Nigeria?
It’s a very sensitive issue. Well, I think there has to be a proper structure before the government can even help through copyright protection and investment in the entertainment industry, because this will in turn boost the economy of our country.
Nigeria ‘s entertainment industry and Nollywood in particular are the future of this nation’s economy and the sooner the government and even the private sectors help out, the better for all of us.
Have you produced any film(s) of your own?
Produced any movie? I haven’t produce any movie of mine yet, but works are in the pipeline, so you will hear from me soon.
Which of the works you’ve done would you consider to be the most challenging?
I can’t say there’s a particular job that is most challenging because virtually all my works are challenging.
There is this general belief that you usually act the role of Holy Mary or a young suffering lady. Your fans out there would like to know why?
I am a very versatile actress. Why they give me such roles, I do not know, but it’s because I started off with those kinds of roles and once you are good at a particular role, you get boxed in.
Case in point is the evergreen Patience Ozokwor who started playing very emotional role and was very good at it, but when she played the role of a bad mother in-law, she got boxed in because she did it well and it has continued like that. There are other cases, but since I will soon produce my own movie, I would do little skits of different characters.
Who are your role models in the industry?
I have people who inspired me in the industry; the likes of Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, for her dedication to the profession. She’s just a disciplined actress, very focused and hardworking. I’m also a fan of aunty Joke Silva and Ramsey Nouah.
How has your profession lifted your life? Any award?
Like I said earlier, being an actress has lifted me in many ways than one and to crown it, being appointed as a brand ambassador for Africa‘s fastest growing telecommunication company, Globacom, has been very rewarding.
I have also been blessed with my efforts in the industry by being given awards. There’s a long list of them and the very one that readily comes to my mind is winning the African Movie Academy Awards best actress of the year 2007 and the African Film Awards UK for best actress in English language 2010.
What dictates your fashion sense, how do you get your clothing? Do you believe in African and Nigerian fashion? Who are your major designers?
My mood determines my fashion sense, but I’m a very conservative dresser. I don’t expose my vitals. I wear what makes me feel good and comfortable. From contemporary to African, I wear them all. I don’t wear a particular designer, I just love what looks good.
Does your marriage infringe on your job, being a very busy and time-consuming job? Can you tell us about your family, hubby and children?
My marriage doesn’t infringe on my job in anyway. I make sure I take care of the home front before I leave for work, especially if it’s outside town. My family, no comment on that, but we are a good Christian family.
What is your most cherished earthly possession?
I don’t get attached to earthly possessions, so I don’t have any I cherish.
What quality do you possess that stands you out among your peers in the industry?
I guess it’s my dedication to my job and hardwork plus the fact that I’m a very straightforward person.
What is your favourite food, colour, car?
My favourite food used to be beans and plantain, but I’m not really sure what it is now because if it tastes good and is healthy, I would eat. No favourite colour. Yes, I love good cars and it has to be a very functional SUV like a RAV 4 or an X6 (BMW).
What can you not be found doing?
What I can’t be found doing….. stealing. Oh, I detest it!
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