Nollywood actress and producer, Victoria Bello, who has been off the screen for about three years, has returned with a masterstroke. In this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, she reveals what led to her break and what motivated her back into the industry.
It’s been three solid years for you not producing a blockbuster for the Nollywood industry, what happened?
I’ve been up to a lot actually. After my previous productions in 2021, I suffered a huge loss so I decided to focus more on business and in the process; I got married too and have a baby recently. So, I think I’ve healed from the losses I suffered and I’m ready to do what I love the most, again.
Congratulations on your child’s birth. So far, how has motherhood been for you?
I love motherhood, it has been beautiful and I’ve had the most supportive family and friends. Also, my husband has made motherhood so blissful and amazing for me, I can boldly say that he’s heaven-sent. In short, it has been amazing and I’m so happy to be a mum.
Being someone in the industry that has a side business, how has business been for you? Any challenges?
With the current economy, everyone is either suffering a loss or closing up their businesses. I’ve also had my fair share of losses as well as amazing patronage from people. Anyway, I’m still here.
It’s been three years since you last produced a movie. How have you been able to grow and evolve still in the industry over the years?
I’ll just say grace. There is no one that knows how to do it. We’ve seen top actors in the field go for just six months’ break and when they come back, they are nowhere to be found. So, for me, its grace that I’m still here and I’m thankful to God for that.
What motivated you to decide you want to come back into the industry? I mean, a producer not producing for three years is no small break. What made you realise you are ready to face the industry?
You know passion is a very strong thing, so when you’re not doing what you’re passionate or have zeal for, you won’t feel fulfilled even if you are happy. I knew I was missing out on what I wanted to actually do. So, I spoke to a couple of people including my godmother, Aunty Wumi Toriola, who has always been pushing me to come back to the industry. So, for me, I got the push from a lot of people that I look up to like Zainab Bakare and more that I should come back. My husband also knows that I love to do what I’m doing and his push is strong as well.
Now that you’re now a mother and back to the industry, how do you plan to combine family and work?
I’m a very detail-oriented person. I plan ahead of everything and anything. Like I said, I’m blessed with amazing family and friends, and especially, my husband. He makes motherhood easy for me and going back to the industry, I am very well-assured that I won’t have any problems. My mum, my sisters, my husband and my live-in nanny are all there for me, so I believe I’m good to go.
Do you have mentors in the industry that still mentor you till date and are proud of your outcome? If there are, kindly list them ( more like a shoutout)
Yes, I do. I look up to the likes of Aunty Funke Akindele and in fact, one of my biggest prayers is to be on her set someday. Another mentor is Aunty Wumi Toriola; in fact, she’s my son’s godmother.
Can you brief your fans on what to expect in your next project?
Oh Yes. I’m super excited about this one because it’s so dear my heart…… EMI Meji is the title and it is going to be a blockbuster. I’ll be shooting on the 21st of January ,same date and same month I had my last project, 3 years ago, as soon as it showing on YouTube, I want everyone to please support me by watching, liking and commenting. I can’t wait for you all to see it.
Should fans expect A-list actors that will make audience glued to their screens?
I’m not particular about A-list actors actually. Of course, I respect all my senior colleagues but for me, it’s time to give room to the younger talents to also grow but definitely the people I’ll be bringing on set are people we all love to watch!!
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