These days, rising stars and talented actors and actresses are springing up all over nollywood at an exponential rate, gradually filling the gap left by the veterans.
News Echo crew will like to introduce some of these delectable actresses gracing our screens to you, as you would be seeing them more often than before.
We approached Princess Iheoma for a brief chit chat and she obliged us. Princess Iheoma has featured in Funke Akindele’s popular comedy series Jenifa’s Diary. She also featured in the cinema blockbuster movie Beautifool, and also in so many other movies, check out what she had to tell us in response to some of our questions.
What is the most interesting aspect of your career as an actress?
Well, everything to me is interesting, but the most interesting part is that you get to access and play around with emotions most people don’t know about.
Personally, I find it thrilling to be able to switch to different moods and emotions to portray any character on set, it is a really interesting thing.
And then another very interesting aspect of my career is that you get to look good all the time, both for photos and on set. I naturally like to look good all the time, so I always take it as a plus.
Tell us about other interests you have apart from acting. What do you have the most passion for?
There are so many things to do in Nigeria, you don’t have to rely on just one thing to make money because everything is about money, money, money.
Personally, I like to do business, import and export most especially, but basically business. But my passion is acting. Acting gives me a sense of fulfillment and it makes me happy.
What roles would you like to feature more in? Or are you selective of roles that you accept?
Hmmm… any role is fine, because we don’t always get the luxury of choosing the roles to play, but if I were to choose, I will choose roles that push me to my acting limit, because that is how I can become better.
Personally though, I don’t think there is any tangible reason why I should be selective of roles to play, except of course I am married and because of that, I may not be able to interpret certain roles that may be considered as obscene.
What do you think lies in stock for you in a few years from now in your acting career? Do you have specific plans? Please share
I see myself going international by the grace of God. I want to take my acting career to a whole different level, make movies too, and stuff along those lines. You know the future is very unpredictable, but nevertheless, we still make plans.
So, I definitely have plans, even though I cannot share all of it here, but for now, I am more focused on building my career. I want to become a talent that is sought after, if you know what I mean.
What do you wish the Nigerian movie industry could do differently from what is obtainable at the moment?
I would like to say that innovation is a continuous process. Personally I feel the industry is doing great for now, but I know it can be better, we are still a work in progress, and we can definitely do more with the right leadership and structure put in place.
How would you rate the present day movies’ storylines in comparison to what we had some 10 years ago. What has changed? And how is the change affecting actors and actresses in particular?
Our storylines these days are very commendable, it is really impressive to see storylines that are totally unrelated to princes and princesses and crowns and all that.
These days we have more modern life storylines with very beautiful twists too. The change is really good, because actors and actresses are finally able to explore character roles with complex personalities. It is a good change.
You sound like a cool person. Who is the real Princess? And what is your opinion about being controversial?
Yea, I’m a cool person. I’m calm, cool… hmmm, but there are some touch sha…(smiles), depending on who is poking me. Generally, Princess is a nice and kind person, I like to be there for a friend, because life is all about understanding and I understand that humans can never be perfect, but we can try to be nice. Princess likes to be happy and she loves to have peace.
For me, it is peace over everything. In fact, I would rather have peace of mind than to have all the fame and money in the world. That is why I am always there to give a listening ear when a friend needs it because I value peace and would do anything to bring peace to anyone or any situation. About being controversial, I really don’t have anything to say because that subject can mean so many different things, I don’t wanna go there.
In your opinion, is there good collaboration among actors in nollywood? What is the way forward if no?
In my opinion, I will say yes, because I have never come across two actors disagreeing in any location I have been to, so I will say yes. Besides, we are like a family in the acting community, I really cannot talk about other people’s personal lives or issues, but generally speaking, I think actors and actresses always carry themselves well and they collaborate well also.
Tell us a little about your recent movies, and what we should expect. Do you have anything to tell your fans?
Well, I have featured in some movies, Beautifool premiered in the cinemas just last month, and it was a very powerful piece, I encourage everyone to see it. I have some ongoing shoots going on and I cannot talk about them. Then there is a series on ZOKE tv that I featured in, I would really love my fans to subscribe to ZOKE tv on youtube and watch Modern Couple. I played the role of a young married woman who is trying to grapple with the realities of marriage. For my fans, I love you all and I will keep trying to do my best for your viewing pleasure. Thank you.
