A male fan once asked to be my pet —Chelsea Eze

Nollywood actress Chelsea Eze is always in the news for various reasons. In this interview with JOAN OMIONAWELE, she talks about her craft and personal life, among other issues. Excerpts:

How has life been as an actress?

It’s been good, it has its ups and downs as any journey would really.

Has there been any time you felt like giving up?

No. Nothing good has ever come easy and when it gets tough,. you don’t back down, you keep pushing, that’s one of the things I live by.

What would you say distinguishes you as an actress ?

I think it’s my interpretation of any character. I always bring the “chelsea” effect to it.

I’m curious, what’s the Chelsea effect?

(laughs) It’s more like an aura which cannot be explained. You understand?

You are known to be bold and daring…tell me, have you always been bold?

While growing up, I wouldn’t say I was always this bold, as I was a bit of an introvert but I learnt to speak up for myself and express myself. In senior secondary school,  I was a member of the Literary and debate club and that helped as well. So as I went through life, I learnt to be more expressive.

So at what point did you decide to be an actress?

I made up my mind in 2011.

What were your dreams as a child?

At some point I wanted to be a lawyer, then a doctor then an aeronautical engineer. I never saw myself being an actress really.

What has been the weirdest role you played in a movie?

Hmmmmm. There was a time I played a guy in a short film, that was a bit weird but was exciting at the same time. I mean I love challenges doing something out of the norm.

You were involved in a social media tussle with your fans over your last birthday pictures which were half nude. Were those photos part of being daring? Or you were just being yourself?

That’s why it’s called cyber bullying. I don’t know how people make issues out of nothing. I wanted to take those pictures. I didn’t think they were offensive in anyway. I’m happy with them and that’s all that matters. I don’t think I have to defend myself on that matter.

But some said you were seeking for attention, is that true?

( Laughter) Do I look like I seek for attention? Oh well they will always have to say something.

What’s the funniest thing they have said to you on social media?

One said to me “I want to be your pet” I  still can’t get over that because I almost asked if he was a dog or something else.

I can imagine how you feel about the weird messages

Most times, I just laugh it off.

Do you think you will ever stop acting when you decide to get married?

Not at all. I have no limitations, I put in my best in my work and nothing can stop me.

Will your man be comfortable seeing you act romantic roles?

No relationship or marriage should hinder you from doing what you love, because in the end you will always go back to it and if one is not careful, one might end up hating himself/herself.