Nollywood actress, Amara Maduka, is among the plus-size thespians in the Nigerian movie industry. The Anambra State-born actress, who is gradually gaining prominence in the industry, speaks with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma on the challenges facing up-and-coming actors and actresses, love life and other issues concerning her career. Excerpts:
How long have you been acting?
This is my fifth year.
Can you mention names of some big movies you have done?
Maduka Daughters. Village Flavour. Okirika. The Israelites. Good marriage. 3 bad girls, to mention a few.
How did you join the movie industry?
I joined the industry after school. I knew I have the talent and I decided to pursue it.
What were the challenges you faced at the early stage?
My weight was a big challenge. I was very fat at the time and I didn’t get featured in characters I know I can deliver because all the producers saw was a fat, ugly girl. Not my talent.
How did you overcome it?
Oh well, when you get tired of being of being pushed around, you want to make a change at some point. All that matters is how you see yourself. I knew I am more than they could see and that image alone kept me going.
Did it make you depressed?
I battled depression at some point. But like I said, if you know who you are, nothing can stop you. Not for too long.
s*xual harassment has also become a common trend in the entertainment industry, how did you scale through?
I haven’t been s*xually harassed by any producer. I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess.
Would you admit if it was true?
Yes, of course. And make no mistake we hear some of these stories. It happens, but like I said, I am one of the lucky ones.
Did you hit the gym because you wanted to fit in?
No. I didn’t work on myself to “fit in”. I’m working on myself for me. I love to look good. And I’m only just getting started.
How supportive were your parents when you joined Nollywood?
I have just my Mom now. My Dad wouldn’t have allowed it, but my Mom is supportive. I lost my dad in 2012.
Did your boyfriend at that time give you the go ahead?
I’ve never really dated like dating anyone all of my life. It’s funny but true. I’m just learning to truly give love a chance now.
Why?
I’m too sensitive. I thought not dating at all was best to avoid heartbreak and all.
So, are you saying you are still a virgin?
I said I didn’t date. I didn’t say I don’t have s*x.
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How do you have s*x without dating?
Dating is not the only way to have s*x.
Have you been heartbroken once?
Not at all.
So, no emotional attachment with your partners?
From me to them? No. From them, well people pretend a lot in this country. So, I wouldn’t know.
So, how long can you stay without s*x?
Oh, I can stay for as long as I want to. I’m not a freak on s*x. But when I get it, I get it good.
I have heard people say to s*xually satisfy a plus sized lady is a hard journey, how true?
That’s based on individual differences. It’s wrong to generalise stuff like that.
What’s your type of man when it comes to Mr. Right for marriage?
I’m attracted to a person’s mind and rarely the body. If he’s got a good heart and a sound mind, that’s it for me. Physical appearances don’t really count. Doesn’t mean I’d marry a monster or a dwarf though. But his pocket counts. I can’t help the world if I’m helpless. If you know what I mean, I need a rich man.
You once said you wanted to be a producer. Any project on the pipeline already?
Yes. Cooking up something good for my lovers. Alaba release though. I have to cut my coat according to my cloth for now.
What would you say is Nollywood’s greatest challenge?
Finance. Everything boils down to money. We don’t have investors. All we get is criticism and little support. Nigerians keep comparing us to Hollywood and it baffles me. We do what we do out of little or nothing and we are able to get result. Not Hollywood standard perhaps but if we have half of what those guys have, we’d shake the world.
What would Amara be doing for a living, if she’s not an actress?
I’d probably be into fashion. Which I’m still going to visit eventually though.
Any crush on any male celebrity?
No one.
Your best fashion accessory?
I really love my fancy rings and chains.
Is that the fashion line you intend going into?
I intend going into plus size clothing. It’s difficult for a fat girl to find trendy clothes and I want to help with that.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from everything around me.
Days ago, a colleague of yours made a confession of the weirdest place she has had s*x. What›s yours?
The weirdest place I’ve had s*x is in the pool.
Were you not caught?
It was a private pool.
Do you like adventures?
Of course, adventures feed the soul. I love adventures.
Was the pool s*x worth the while?
You can’t imagine.
Any regrets in life?
None. I take the lessons and move on.
Best moment as an actress?
When someone looked me up on Facebook, asked for my account details and sent me money from London for making his family laugh.
Advice to young and aspiring actors?
It gets easier, not harder. Hang in there.
Have you ever been embarrassed by a male fan?
No, I haven’t. Not physically though.
and then