Love has not been fair to me —Actress, Oyinade Adegbenro

Oyinade Adegbenro, is a fast rising actress and producer. The actress, who joined the movie industry in 2010 through Adekola Tijani and Olaniyi Afonja, speaks to JOAN OMIONAWELE about her passion and career. Excerpts:

What was growing up like?

Growing up was fun. One of the reasons why I love travelling was because my parents are civil servants so we were always travelling, changing schools and apartments. No permanent friend, you know.

What prompted you to go into acting?

I can remember when I was about seven or eight years old, after watching a movie, I’ll stand in front of the mirror and mimic a particular character and I used to tell myself “you can actually do it better” but I was a very shy person so nobody knew I could do anything like that. So, while in secondary school, I was an active member of the drama group and that was how it all began

How has it been so far in the industry?

Well to God be the glory, it’s been fulfilling

What projects are you currently into?

I’m shooting a movie, which started in January

What’s your educational background?

I attended King’s Kiddie’s Private School, had my secondary school education in Able God Group of Schools and the Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State.

What are the challenges of movie production in Nigeria?

I’ll say funds, security and marketing.

How do you hope to handle competition in the industry?

I am unique in my own way and I’ve been trying as much as I can to be creative with my work.

These days, many actresses struggle for validation in the industry by bleaching, showing off and living luxury lives, do you think it’s right?

Well, I believe we all have our lives to live. I won’t judge anyone for bleaching, showing off or living a luxury life. The fact that I don’t like noise doesn’t mean the whole world should keep mute.

What would you never be caught doing?

Hmm, I’ll never be caught fighting.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on set?

I was called for a job and on getting there the director who I had never met before told me to get set for a particular role but the production manager who called me for the job said he had another cast for the same role. I was so embarrassed because the argument lasted for about two hours and I hate drama especially when it directly involves me.

Who would you describe as your ideal man?

A dark, tall, good looking and God-fearing man.

Would you say love has been fair to you?

No.

How?

I won’t really say that, it has just been complicated.

What’s next for you?

More work. ‘Am trying to make a name for myself

Who are your mentors in the industry?

My mentors are Joke Silva, Stephanie Okereke and Funke Akindele

What do you think distinguishes you from other actresses?

Like I said earlier, I am unique in my own way, you’ll never see me copying anybody, I don’t follow trends. I do my thing my own way.