I don’t mix business with pleasure —Peju Wahab

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8 years ago

Olapeju Wahab, a holder of Ordinary National Diploma Certificate in Office Technology and Management from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, is an up-and-coming actress and a movie producer. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the Offa, Kwara-born lady, speaks about her acting career and other issues. Excerpts:

Growing up

Growing up was never smooth for me. There were moments when everything was rough and there were moments when everything was fine. However, I discovered what I wanted while growing up and then summoned up courage to pursue my dream.

Foray into acting

While growing up, I used to watch movies a lot and that was what actually prompted me to start dreaming of becoming a screen goddess. I later went to J -15 School of Performing Art, which was founded by Femi Adebayo. It was there that I majored in acting. That was where my journey as an actress began. I have featured in movies like Omorire which was produced by my humble self, Ile-Alayo by Femi Adebayo, Adigun Re’lu Oyinbo by Adekola Tijani, Fehintola Olobi by Ronke Ojo, Aragbelaye by Power House Production, Shadow by Aisha Lawal, Campus Life Season 1 and 2 by Ibrahim Adeoti and so on.

Challenges faced as an up-and coming actress

When I started acting and was invited for movies by producers, after working tirelessly on set, they would take the advantage of my being an up-and-coming actress by not paying me well.

Most challenging role played so far

That would be the role I played in Campus Life Season 2, where I played the SU (Scripture Union) role. Before I went to the location, I had to make my findings on how they look and also their mode of dressing. There is a popular saying that you are addressed by the way you are dressed. I found out they do not wear make-up or scandalous clothes. And they don’t miss night vigils. I made sure I looked the part when playing the role.

My role models

That should be Femi Adebayo, because he taught me all I needed to know about my field. Faithia Balogun because she is someone I have learnt from while growing on the job, another thing I like about her is her mode of dressing, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde because she is someone who I aspire to be like. I started admiring Keke Palmer when I watched Akeelah and the Bee. She is young, beautiful, smart and talented.

The most embarrassing thing a fan has ever done to me

A fan spotted me on a bike one day and shouted Peju Wahab “Oga o, o le gbe Uber,” meaning na wa o! You can’t take Uber? I felt embarrassed. That day, I was almost late for an appointment so I had to take a bike to hasten my movement.

Coping with competition in the industry

I’m not in competition with anyone. I’m driven to be the best at what I do.

Pains and gains of being a celebrity

When I was a child, I dreamt of becoming someone everybody will recognise and feel excited to meet in person. But the famous lifestyle has many gains and pains. One of the gains is that if you are a celebrity, you get to travel around the world and know an assortment of cultures and societies. The pain is that you have no time to spend with your loved ones, you also lack private life, and people are constantly judging everything you do. Sometimes, social media, newspapers, magazines gossip about you.

Handling advances from male fans

I don’t get hostile when they make advances towards me but because of my upbringing, I don’t fall at their beck and call either. And at the same time, I make sure I respect them, for instance, if a male fan asks me for a selfie, I won’t deny his request.

On whether I have a crush on a fellow actor

It’s normal to have a crush on a fellow actor but I don’t mix business with pleasure and my philosophy is whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.

On actresses dating rich men

I respect people’s opinion and choices. Actresses that do that may have their reasons for doing it. If they think dating an influential man is a way forward for them, so be it. But as for me, I don’t judge people.

Also Read: Bukky Wright is my mentor —Joke Jigan

Actors and actresses I will love to act with

Adebayo Salami, Olu Jacob and Joke Silver. Because those are legends that have given their best to this industry and it will be a great pleasure to be on set with them someday.

Other things I do aside acting

Aside from acting, am also into make-up artistry and I am still a student.