She could have become a lawyer, but she found herself in acting. Today, nothing would make her quit acting, not even her husband. Mimi Orjiekwe is one of those beautiful Nollywood actresses who have made a mark in the industry within a short time. She is also a beauty queen who has won series of beauty pageants even while on the campus.
In this interview, the Enugu-born actress bared her mind to CHRISTIAN AGADIDE on her career, her engagement to Tinsel actor, Charles Williams, Nollywood and life generally.
What was your growing up like?
I was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. I spent most of my childhood in Enugu before we relocated to Abuja. Now, I am in Lagos because of the nature of my job. I am the only daughter and I have three brothers. I was comfortable because I always got everything I needed, not wanted. I can say that everybody born with complete body parts is born with a silver spoon. I was not born with a silver spoon, but I was really comfortable. My growing up was very nice; I had brothers who always took me out to parties. I was fund of the red carpet kind of thing. My dad always took us to social club where we met big people. At school, I belonged to a club. So, I can say that my childhood experience has influenced my career positively. Actually, my plan was to be a lawyer but I ended up reading Business Administration in the university. Now, I am an actress. Therefore, my growing up was not really challenging.
You wanted to study law. Why did you change your mind?
I had always wanted to be a lawyer, then I got admitted into the university but there were some controversies about my reading law. It was later finalized that I should read Business Administration then later, I will study Law. I finally lost interest in Law and continued with my course.
How then did you venture into acting?
I met a director who was a judge in a beauty contest in Enugu, in 2008. He talked me into acting. I initially agreed and I featured in two or three films before I went to complete my education. Then, in 2012, I decided to return to what I love doing best which is acting. I met a colleague who invited me for an auditioning. I gave him flimsy reasons I couldn’t attend, he cajoled me into it, then I partook in a scene where I played the lead role and I did well at the end. I met several producers and directors who praised me, and now, I am where I am.
Have you ever won any top beauty contest?
Yes, I won the Miss University contest then in school where I was made an ambassador. I also won Miss Camp during my NYSC days, and I also ranked high in Miss Anambra contest once.
What distinguished you from other contestants?
Really, I don’t know, every contestant was beautiful, but I guess it was my boldness and my confident approach to the judges. Also, the scripture says many are called but few are chosen, so I felt that I was destined to win.
What advice can you give to someone who wants to be a model?
Whoever wants to be a model should be confident, bold, beautiful and prayerful. One must not always win, if you lose, you pick up your pieces and fight harder. I have lost some beauty contests and I have won some, therefore don’t think that life is a bed of roses. You work to become somebody.
How did you feel about the ones you failed?
I am a strong girl. Competition is not bad, rather it increases your spirit of sportsmanship. I kept my fingers crossed, neither expecting the worst nor the best. So, when I failed, I strived to be better.
What do you dislike about modelling?
I don’t dislike anything in particular about modelling, if I am given the chance, I will continue. The only difficult thing about it is that as a model, you have to maintain a particular shape, watch your weight and control your diet. I love food but not as a glutton.
Have you ever got irritated by anything you were asked to do while modelling, maybe appearing nude or wearing bikini?
I didn’t get further into modelling and I wouldn’t have done that for any reason. Actually, in the film industry, I haven’t experienced such.
Can you act or model nude?
Things haven’t reached there, till then.
What has been your assessment since you registered as an actress?
It has been a good experience, we learn every day, and it is my career. Therefore, I can’t criticize it, rather I expect the best. So, far, Nollywood has been helpful, it increases your boldness and it exposes you to a lot of things.
When you came back to acting, did you ever consider how you were going to compete with top celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo and the like of them?
It is not really competitive; it’s just by God’s grace. You work hard to be like them. I admired an actress who played in a film Strong Love. I really loved it and was determined to be like her. I am not envious of anybody, rather I make them my mentor and strive to be like them.
What have been your challenges in Nollywood?
The only challenge is that it makes you have a hectic schedule that you don’t have time for yourself, private things, family, etc. Apart from that, there are no serious challenges.
Did your parents ever discourage you?
No. My dad warned me to avoid those bad girls acting as prostitutes. In a nutshell, he wants me to be a good girl. My mum gave me full support, saying that she knows where I am heading to.
What movie brought you to limelight?
Officially, I am like a year and half in Nollywood. In May 2012, I fully registered as an actress. Before I joined, I featured in Royal Madness where I played the role of a Princess. I also acted in Secondary School Girls, which is yet to be released, but it’s going to be very nice.
Have you experienced any sexual harassment in Nollywood?
I am not scared about anything or anybody, different things happen every day, the end, therefore, depends on the maturity you apply to handle such cases. Such things happen to those who are desperate to become top actresses. I don’t look for job, rather,people call me to work for them. So, I am not familiar with such cases.
Is lesbianism real or false in the film industry?
I do hear about it but I have neither seen nor partaken in it.
Who is the man in your life?
Charles Williams.
What attracted you to him?
He is cute, God-fearing, friendly, good natured, hardworking and loving. He is every girl’s dream guy.
If you marry a fellow actor, how are going to safeguard your marriage from the failed marriage syndrome in the industry?
I believe that I am a strong woman and that there is no situation I can’t overcome. I expect a good marriage and I pray that such doesn’t happen in my time. I think that the basic thing about marriage is proper understanding, tolerance and love. I will try to adopt these in my marriage.
What can your fiancé do that could make you break up?
I don’t hope to break up with him. I believe we are made for each other. I will be upset if I catch him with another woman and I am sure that he will likewise be upset if he catches me with another man.
What if he asks you to quit acting?
He dare not, it is what I love doing. If he loves me, he will respect my feelings. He is also an actor, it was where he found me and he loves me for that.
How did you and your fiancé meet?
I went for an outing where I met him. There was an introduction after which we met again. Now we are friends.
When are you both planning to get married?
Very soon, I will send you an invitation as soon as it is out.
Do you still have advances from men while you are in a relationship already?
I am a beautiful girl, people have not stopped coming ever since. If they ask, I tell them that I am engaged already. I have mature people, so, when I tell them that I am engaged, they just back off.
How do you handle your male fans?
Nothing really special, they are cool. I just laugh, chat and be diplomatic about it.
Since your entry into Nollywood, what family thing have you been missing?
That’s really a bad one, I have a tight schedule, and I miss my parents and siblings. Most times, I don’t pick up their calls because of work. I would promise them that I would call them later but it still doesn’t work out.
You sound like an over-pampered girl, are you?
No, I am not over-pampered but I am trained.
Have you ever experienced any difficult situation in your life that made you cry?
We all face different challenges, what matters is how to handle them. As an adult, I don’t just give up, rather, I work harder until I achieve my goal.
Who inspired you, maybe someone who played the part of a mentor in your life?
Mrs. Ngozi Ezeonu and Genevieve Nnaji.
If you are asked to shave your hair for a movie, what will your response be?
No. I have been asked to do that but I refused. Some actresses fancy it. Actually, why I refused was that I had another film to feature in, where I needed my hair. As an actress, you need to adapt to any script and shaving of hair is simply out of it.
What part of your body makes you sexy and gets you attention?
My eyes. I have cat eyes, so if I apply cosmetics, it becomes very beautiful and attractive.
Has anyone ever broken your heart?
No, but I have been disappointed by men and women.
What advice did your mum give you about relationships?
When I was small, she told me that if any man comes close to me that I should run away.
Did any man try doing that as you were growing up?
Yes, a lot of people who love beautiful teenage girls.
How old were you when you had your first boyfriend?
I can’t remember.
Who was your first kiss on stage with?
It was in 2008, with Majid Michael when we were going out in a film.
Was it memorable kissing a superstar like him?
Normal. Do you expect me to feel fly or upload on my status, that I kissed Majid Michael?
If you are to kiss again in any film, who could that be?
I featured in a film with my boyfriend and we kissed there. I enjoyed the kiss and I am sure he also did.
Would he not get jealous if he sees you kissing another guy in the course of acting?
I don’t kiss anyhow; I just do it because the script asked me to do it. Acting is all about make-believe.
From: Sun
In this interview, the Enugu-born actress bared her mind to CHRISTIAN AGADIDE on her career, her engagement to Tinsel actor, Charles Williams, Nollywood and life generally.
What was your growing up like?
I was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. I spent most of my childhood in Enugu before we relocated to Abuja. Now, I am in Lagos because of the nature of my job. I am the only daughter and I have three brothers. I was comfortable because I always got everything I needed, not wanted. I can say that everybody born with complete body parts is born with a silver spoon. I was not born with a silver spoon, but I was really comfortable. My growing up was very nice; I had brothers who always took me out to parties. I was fund of the red carpet kind of thing. My dad always took us to social club where we met big people. At school, I belonged to a club. So, I can say that my childhood experience has influenced my career positively. Actually, my plan was to be a lawyer but I ended up reading Business Administration in the university. Now, I am an actress. Therefore, my growing up was not really challenging.
You wanted to study law. Why did you change your mind?
I had always wanted to be a lawyer, then I got admitted into the university but there were some controversies about my reading law. It was later finalized that I should read Business Administration then later, I will study Law. I finally lost interest in Law and continued with my course.
How then did you venture into acting?
I met a director who was a judge in a beauty contest in Enugu, in 2008. He talked me into acting. I initially agreed and I featured in two or three films before I went to complete my education. Then, in 2012, I decided to return to what I love doing best which is acting. I met a colleague who invited me for an auditioning. I gave him flimsy reasons I couldn’t attend, he cajoled me into it, then I partook in a scene where I played the lead role and I did well at the end. I met several producers and directors who praised me, and now, I am where I am.
Have you ever won any top beauty contest?
Yes, I won the Miss University contest then in school where I was made an ambassador. I also won Miss Camp during my NYSC days, and I also ranked high in Miss Anambra contest once.
What distinguished you from other contestants?
Really, I don’t know, every contestant was beautiful, but I guess it was my boldness and my confident approach to the judges. Also, the scripture says many are called but few are chosen, so I felt that I was destined to win.
What advice can you give to someone who wants to be a model?
Whoever wants to be a model should be confident, bold, beautiful and prayerful. One must not always win, if you lose, you pick up your pieces and fight harder. I have lost some beauty contests and I have won some, therefore don’t think that life is a bed of roses. You work to become somebody.
How did you feel about the ones you failed?
I am a strong girl. Competition is not bad, rather it increases your spirit of sportsmanship. I kept my fingers crossed, neither expecting the worst nor the best. So, when I failed, I strived to be better.
What do you dislike about modelling?
I don’t dislike anything in particular about modelling, if I am given the chance, I will continue. The only difficult thing about it is that as a model, you have to maintain a particular shape, watch your weight and control your diet. I love food but not as a glutton.
Have you ever got irritated by anything you were asked to do while modelling, maybe appearing nude or wearing bikini?
I didn’t get further into modelling and I wouldn’t have done that for any reason. Actually, in the film industry, I haven’t experienced such.
Can you act or model nude?
Things haven’t reached there, till then.
What has been your assessment since you registered as an actress?
It has been a good experience, we learn every day, and it is my career. Therefore, I can’t criticize it, rather I expect the best. So, far, Nollywood has been helpful, it increases your boldness and it exposes you to a lot of things.
When you came back to acting, did you ever consider how you were going to compete with top celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo and the like of them?
It is not really competitive; it’s just by God’s grace. You work hard to be like them. I admired an actress who played in a film Strong Love. I really loved it and was determined to be like her. I am not envious of anybody, rather I make them my mentor and strive to be like them.
What have been your challenges in Nollywood?
The only challenge is that it makes you have a hectic schedule that you don’t have time for yourself, private things, family, etc. Apart from that, there are no serious challenges.
Did your parents ever discourage you?
No. My dad warned me to avoid those bad girls acting as prostitutes. In a nutshell, he wants me to be a good girl. My mum gave me full support, saying that she knows where I am heading to.
What movie brought you to limelight?
Officially, I am like a year and half in Nollywood. In May 2012, I fully registered as an actress. Before I joined, I featured in Royal Madness where I played the role of a Princess. I also acted in Secondary School Girls, which is yet to be released, but it’s going to be very nice.
Have you experienced any sexual harassment in Nollywood?
I am not scared about anything or anybody, different things happen every day, the end, therefore, depends on the maturity you apply to handle such cases. Such things happen to those who are desperate to become top actresses. I don’t look for job, rather,people call me to work for them. So, I am not familiar with such cases.
Is lesbianism real or false in the film industry?
I do hear about it but I have neither seen nor partaken in it.
Who is the man in your life?
Charles Williams.
What attracted you to him?
He is cute, God-fearing, friendly, good natured, hardworking and loving. He is every girl’s dream guy.
If you marry a fellow actor, how are going to safeguard your marriage from the failed marriage syndrome in the industry?
I believe that I am a strong woman and that there is no situation I can’t overcome. I expect a good marriage and I pray that such doesn’t happen in my time. I think that the basic thing about marriage is proper understanding, tolerance and love. I will try to adopt these in my marriage.
What can your fiancé do that could make you break up?
I don’t hope to break up with him. I believe we are made for each other. I will be upset if I catch him with another woman and I am sure that he will likewise be upset if he catches me with another man.
What if he asks you to quit acting?
He dare not, it is what I love doing. If he loves me, he will respect my feelings. He is also an actor, it was where he found me and he loves me for that.
How did you and your fiancé meet?
I went for an outing where I met him. There was an introduction after which we met again. Now we are friends.
When are you both planning to get married?
Very soon, I will send you an invitation as soon as it is out.
Do you still have advances from men while you are in a relationship already?
I am a beautiful girl, people have not stopped coming ever since. If they ask, I tell them that I am engaged already. I have mature people, so, when I tell them that I am engaged, they just back off.
How do you handle your male fans?
Nothing really special, they are cool. I just laugh, chat and be diplomatic about it.
Since your entry into Nollywood, what family thing have you been missing?
That’s really a bad one, I have a tight schedule, and I miss my parents and siblings. Most times, I don’t pick up their calls because of work. I would promise them that I would call them later but it still doesn’t work out.
You sound like an over-pampered girl, are you?
No, I am not over-pampered but I am trained.
Have you ever experienced any difficult situation in your life that made you cry?
We all face different challenges, what matters is how to handle them. As an adult, I don’t just give up, rather, I work harder until I achieve my goal.
Who inspired you, maybe someone who played the part of a mentor in your life?
Mrs. Ngozi Ezeonu and Genevieve Nnaji.
If you are asked to shave your hair for a movie, what will your response be?
No. I have been asked to do that but I refused. Some actresses fancy it. Actually, why I refused was that I had another film to feature in, where I needed my hair. As an actress, you need to adapt to any script and shaving of hair is simply out of it.
What part of your body makes you sexy and gets you attention?
My eyes. I have cat eyes, so if I apply cosmetics, it becomes very beautiful and attractive.
Has anyone ever broken your heart?
No, but I have been disappointed by men and women.
What advice did your mum give you about relationships?
When I was small, she told me that if any man comes close to me that I should run away.
Did any man try doing that as you were growing up?
Yes, a lot of people who love beautiful teenage girls.
How old were you when you had your first boyfriend?
I can’t remember.
Who was your first kiss on stage with?
It was in 2008, with Majid Michael when we were going out in a film.
Was it memorable kissing a superstar like him?
Normal. Do you expect me to feel fly or upload on my status, that I kissed Majid Michael?
If you are to kiss again in any film, who could that be?
I featured in a film with my boyfriend and we kissed there. I enjoyed the kiss and I am sure he also did.
Would he not get jealous if he sees you kissing another guy in the course of acting?
I don’t kiss anyhow; I just do it because the script asked me to do it. Acting is all about make-believe.
From: Sun
No comments:
Post a Comment