Background
My name is Belinda Effah, from Cross River State. I am in my 20s and I was brought up in a large but disciplined family. My father ensured that all his children are morally upright and he brooked no nonsense. I went to good schools. I attended Hillside international Nursery/Primary School, Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt and University of Calabar where I studied Genetics and Biotechnology.
Incursion into acting
Acting is a part of me and I am passionate about it. It is my first love and like everyone else, I will do anything for my first love. Growing up, I dreamt of becoming an actor and when the opportunity presented itself, I went for it. The first movie I featured in was “The room”, a short film by M-Net productions where I played the villain, Nkoyo .It was an honour to work with veteran cinematographer, Tunde Kelani. The movie was directed by Achor Yusuff. I was nervous because it was my first time on set and I was working with big names.
Coping with dissuasion
Several people had reservations about me going into acting including close friends but I wasn’t ready to pay heed to any of their observations. It became intense when the roles were not forthcoming. At a point, I had to take on a job to ease off the tension while waiting for an opportunity to test my skills. My patience and endurance eventually paid off.
Next Movie Star
Participating in Next Movie Star in 2006 was good for my career. I learnt a lot from the reality show and the lessons have proved useful till date. I had a good platform and my fans expect that I utilise it adequately which is exactly what I have done.
Challenges as a newcomer
I experienced a lot of closed doors and I had to get used to doors closing in my face but it didn’t deter me. I attended several auditions and even when I was selected to play a role, the producers of the movie for reasons best known to them refused to shoot the movie. I persisted until I got my first lead role as Simi in ‘Tales of Eve,’ a television series.
Modelling
My modelling days were very tasking. Back then, we were left under the scorching sun for hours before being attended to. I still thank God for the experience because it built my endurance level. Even at that, I have not let go of modelling completely. It’s just that the life of an actor is a very busy one and combining both is a Herculean task. I don’t want to be “Jack of all trades and master of none”. I prefer to have a primary passion which is acting and remain focused on it. I still get to model when time permits.
Role models
In Nollywood, I look up to my senior colleagues who have been able to carve a niche for themselves. They are people like Uche Jombo, Mercy Johnson, and Genevieve Nnaji among others. In Ghollywood, I look up to Majid because he is an amazing actor. I am also very encouraged by producers like Emem Isong, Uduak Oguamanam, and Abdul Sallam Mumuni.Also directors who inspire me to aim higher include Lancelot Imasuen, Desmond Elliot, Frank Raja, Achor Yusuff, Ikechukwu Onyeaka and others.
Challenging role
All the roles I take on are challenging since I infuse something different into every role I play. I do not want to be perceived as the same character in all the movies I feature so I have to work extra hard to differ at all times.
Dealing with threats
When I was in camp for the Next Movie Star, we were all advised by Joke Silva that the sky is big enough to accommodate everyone, so there is no need to feel threatened. I have used that as a guiding principle in the industry so I don’t give room for unhealthy competition. I feel the audience will always determine who they want to see on their screen and this is not by the number of movies one has featured in. I am not concerned about the numbers, rather the quality of movies I feature in.
Handling fame
I have learnt how to manage fame and also my fans. I don’t get carried away. I am still Belinda.
Relaxation
When I am not on set pretending to be who I am not, I like to travel and do some shopping or I relax with friends by going to see a movie.
Business
I do not miss having a regular job. Besides, I don’t have the patience for it. I am content with what I am doing now and nothing can take its place. Asides acting, I own a food business. We source for the best of Calabar ingredients such as crayfish, palm oil, dried fish, Afang etc. We package well and distribute to supermarkets around the country.
Style
Style is what suits me, makes me comfortable and enables me to stand out. I dress depending on my mood but I am your regular girl-next- door dresser. I love my jeans, tank top and sneakers. I can never go wrong with them. I also love dresses which make me feel free and relaxed.
Marriage
I don’t like to discuss my private life but I will follow my heart if the situation presents itself. If my heart dictates that I get married to an actor, I won’t do otherwise.
From :- Punch
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