Young, beautiful and talented thespian, Chinenye Uyanna, gives a peek into her private life, career and lesbianism in Nollywood.
Excerpts:
Is there anybody in your family that prepared you for this?
My parents are not actors. My father is a barrister while my mum is a retired teacher. When I was a little girl, about seven years old, we traveled for Christmas and my cousins and I gathered around to ask each other what we would like to be in future. Some said doctors, some said engineers while others said lawyers, but I said I wanted to be an actress and they all laughed it off. I stood my ground and held unto my dreams. At 16, I joined a drama group in my church. That was where it all started. I came into Nollywood officially in 2012, so I will say my church groomed me into the actress that I am today.
If you were to make a choice between family and career, which would you choose, and for what reason?
This is a very tough question. If I get married today or tomorrow and my husband asks me to choose between family and my career, I won’t lie to you, I would choose my career. He met me when I was an actress so he should understand that this is my job. It is all about understanding; it’s all about knowing who you are getting married to. I believe whoever I am going to marry will understand my job and know it is just a job. Obviously, it will get to that point but we’ll work it out.
What has been your major challenge as an actress?
The only challenge I have had and I am still having is people misunderstanding the character you play in a movie and concluding that it is your lifestyle. It is a very annoying challenge. There was this movie, Ladies Secret, in which I acted a lesbian. All of a sudden I started getting phone calls from ladies toasting me, telling me how they loved my boobs and all. I was shocked! I was only acting. Another challenge I may have in the future is that if I am given a nude role to play, I will decline even if it comes with millions of dollars; remember, I am an African woman.
What keeps you going?
Ignoring these people who misconstrue the roles you act keeps me going; I just ignore them and keep doing what I know how to do best. I also talk to my senior colleagues and they advise me. At times, I come out plain on Instagram and tell my fans not to send me unnecessary messages or mix up my job with my private life.
Who is the best and worst actor/ actress you have worked with?
The best actor I have worked with is Muna Obiekwe; may his soul rest in peace. He knows how to deliver and I like him so much because he doesn’t look down on anybody even if you are an up-and-coming. He was very good when I worked with him because he brought out the best in me. The same goes for Tonto Dike; she keeps to herself whenever she comes on set. They are the best actors I have worked with. If I have terrible actors I have worked with, I wouldn’t mention their names. However, I must confess, I have worked with a couple of them.
What has been your best experience in Nollywood?
Wow! My best experience in the movie industry was when I played the role of a very poor and local girl who lost her family; it was a wonderful experience. There was this part where I caught this big bush meat which I couldn’t carry because I can’t stand animals. It was that big rat Igbos call Nchi. The first time they gave it to me I couldn’t stand it but they forced me to carry it. The scene took me more than an hour to get right. Playing a character that I am not and having to cry from the beginning to the end was the best part of the movie for me, and my best experience ever in Nollywood.
When you are not working, what do you do?
I love cooking; I can cook for the whole of Africa. I am an indoor person. If you leave me in the house with things to do, trust me, when you get back, everything will be done. I also love watching movies; that is practically my hobby.
Which is the best character you have played to date?
I have played a whole lot of roles; romantic and moody characters and anything you can think of. I don’t think I prefer any character over the other. I think it is fun. When I played the quiet girl I loved it. When I played the troublesome girl, I loved it. When I played the local girl, I loved it, and when I played the romantic one, I also loved it. So, I really don’t know which role is my best.
What is your beauty regimen?
I work out a lot. I do it every morning. I also eat good food and do more of vegetables and fruits.
Which do you prefer, working with guys or ladies?
I prefer working with guys because ladies are very complicated and I don’t like people complicating issues for me.
Describe your style I love dresses, and my motivator or icon is my aunt, Lady Vivian Anieto; she loves gowns and I love gowns too.
What do you regret most?
That should be trusting people. There are a lot of people I put my trust in but they ended up disappointing me and that was the least thing I expected from them. If I could go back and read minds, I could have prevented it. My problem is that I trust easily if you’re close to me, and I believe whatever people say to me but they end up misusing the trust I have for them.
You have been kissed so many times on set. Which was your best?
Yeah, I’ve been kissed in movies but I really can’t say which the best is. Like I told you, anything that happens in the movie remains in the movie.
Who do you look up to?
When it comes to my character and personality, I will say my mum. But when it comes to my job, I love Genevieve Nnaji; she has inspired me in so many ways. The Sun
