Fast-rising
actress, Biola Ige, talks about acting and her semi-nude picture that trended
online
What
triggered your interest in the make-believe industry?
I became an actress
because I developed a passion for it. I had explored education and modelling as
well. I strongly believed I was destined to become an actress. As fate would
have it, I met some people in the movie industry who inspired me wholly. It was
then I decided to take my first shot at acting and I haven’t looked back since
then. l moved to Lagos after my university education. I went for auditions in
Lagos and landed my first role in a movie produced by OJ Productions.
Who
inspired you to take to acting?
My father has been a
great inspiration. Even when I was a child, he encouraged his children to watch
good movies. Apart from being a good father who ensured that I received quality
education, he did not fail to encourage me to fervently pursue my dream of
being an actress. I will always be grateful to him.
Did you
have a privileged upbringing?
I am from Ilesha in
Osun State. I was born into a beautiful family of five. I am actually the last
child of my mother and I was pampered to some extent. I was born in Wukari,
Taraba State and I had an amazing childhood. My father worked hard and provided
for us and my mother was equally amazing. I was a bit of a tomboy but I am
grateful to God for having a family life filled with love and encouragement.
What
schools did you attend?
I attended Jenkabi
Nursery and Primary School Wukari and Yak Sin Government Day Secondary School,
Wukari which I completed at Unity Grammar School, Ikaare Irede. I had my
undergraduate studies at the University of Jos.
Did
your colleagues in Nollywood stand by you when you suffered a health challenge?
I fell ill and the
results of the tests ran by doctors showed that I had a thyroid problem. I had
to travel to India for treatment. I am not looking for people to stand by me.
God is my number one and he was by my side because now, I am well and good.
How
many movies have you featured in?
I have featured in
about over 20movies including Blackmail; Holy City; My Fantasy; Ground Player;
Dearest Link, My flavour; and Pregnant hawkers.
Which
is your most challenging role till date?
That will have to be
‘Shakira’. It was filmed in Ghana and that was the movie that launched my
career. Luckily, I had a producer who believed in me.
Who are
those people you admire in the industry?
I admire everyone I
have worked with and my colleagues in the industry. Nobody is more special than
the other. They are all unique personalities with unique talents that make each
and every one of them stand out.
What
attracts you to a role?
I picture the role
and character in my mind. I like challenging roles that would bring out the
best in me and then, people can see a new side to me. I don’t like stereotypes.
As an actress, you have to be versatile. Versatility is key to grow in the
movie industry.
Any
regrets being an actress?
I do not like
certain things but that is not to say I have any regrets. I don’t enjoy the
fact that people tend to discuss you even when they don’t know you are or where
you are coming from. I don’t enjoy the fact that I cannot do regular things
like boarding a public bus or buying roast plantain. Even your fans expect you
to be fake.
What
excites you most about being a celebrity?
I am not sure what
excites me but I am super excited at being able to do what I love, and getting paid
for it.
A semi-nude
picture of you surfaced online a while ago. ….
The movie was titled
‘Pregnant Hawkers’. It was a photograph I took with Muna Obiekwe on the set of
a movie. It was a great movie and I don’t regret taking part in the movie.
What
was the reaction from family and friends when the picture began to trend on the
social media?
My family and
friends know who I am. They were totally with me on the photo episode. No one
took it that seriously and they all knew it was part of my movie role!
Did you feel
like quitting after that picture went viral?
No I didn’t! I set
the record straight and continued working on my projects. I am not one to allow
distractions get in the way of my work.
Are you
in a relationship?
I am single and
learning about myself daily. I love it, but I am also looking forward to
meeting the right person.
Apart
from acting, what else do you do for a living?
I dug a single seed
into the ground, I hope it grows.
How do
you relax?
When I am not
working I love to read a lot of inspirational books. I also enjoy R&B
music.
Most
actors want to be producers. Is this also your dream?
I admire
multi-talented people. However, producing movies is not something I want to
jump into right now. I am enjoying my career as an actress.
How do
you cope with attention from the opposite sex?
Every woman receives
attention from the opposite sex. I don’t feel particularly special about it. I
respect myself as a woman, I take pride in my profession and I act accordingly.
Attention from the opposite sex is very welcome but usually amounts to nothing.
What is
your definition of style?
Dress for yourself
and not for others. I like comfortable clothing that fit.
