Rosanne Chikwendu is, according to movie critics, one to watch. She has become the toast of movie producers and recently played the wife of the Kogi State governor in a soon to be released biography, ‘Yahaya the white lion’. She told ROTIMI IGE, in this interview, about her journey so far and her plans for 2022.
Why did you choose acting?
I chose acting because I wanted to tell different stories to people. I also like the idea of playing the role of somebody else every now and then; of course, I love entertaining people.
How long did it take you to break into the industry?
A long time. I had my first acting break in 2011 when I featured in the series, ‘Tinsel’ as a nurse, then came in a few movie roles here and there, but it got pretty tough for me in the industry so I left and went back to my nine to five job. I came back in 2019, featuring in the series ‘Super Story’, alongside other movie roles.
Does it pay the bills or do you have a side hustle?
Acting doesn’t pay you as much, just little change here and there, but it doesn’t cover all the bills. I model on the side, and I present for Youtube shows. I feature in commercials, billboards, posters; I also model for clothing lines, brands, hair brands, and more. I basically do a lot of influencing work, helping brands to create content as well.
So far, tell us some of the major roles you have played?
Recently, I played the role of a stripper in a series called ‘Grind’, soon to be out in February. I’m also playing the role of a detective in an African Magic series called ‘Unbroken’. I was also cast in the role of a palace maiden in a ROK series called ‘Blood of Enogie’. My first movie role, which opened doors for me was pretty major for me, it’s called ‘The One Minute Man’. I know the name is a giveaway, but it really helped me.
Most beautiful ladies with bodies such as yours in Nollywood get stereotyped into ‘fine-girl’ roles, but you have managed to be an exception to that rule and we have seen you in roles like the wife of a governor and more. How do you manage to pull it off?
Firstly, I really love my job and I would like to say that my body or face has never been the only reason I’ve been cast in a project. Going for auditions will make you realise that there are a million and one pretty girls in the world and yes with banging bodies.
I’m talented at what I do, and I stay dedicated. Playing the role of a wife in the movie, ‘Yahaya the White Lion’ isn’t new to me. I’ve featured as a wife in different projects in the past.
I’ve played the role of a nurse, a police officer, a maid, hall mistress, a wife, a friend, cooking host, a detective, a girlfriend, an aunt, etc; which is what I love about my job, playing different people. So I don’t get to play just “fine girl” roles. I don’t subscribe to the idea of women’s bodies being overly sexualised especially in entertainment. I get cast for my uniqueness, and if my body type and interpretation of character fits in the project, and/or the casting director feels I fit in the description of the brief. I’m also cast because I am very good at what I do.
What was the most challenging thing about playing the role?
The most challenging thing for me playing the role of a first lady, was the fear of not interpreting her in the best possible way that would be accepted by her and the people of Kogi State. I had to do a lot of homework on how to be a wife of a politician; how the first lady speaks, dresses, walks, her personality and all that.
You had the opportunity to meet the person behind your character in the movie. Do you believe you pulled it off well?
It was such an honour to meet the governor’s wife in person and yes, I think I pulled it off. She has seen the first preview; we had a talk about it and she didn’t disclose any disappointment to me, thankfully. Hoping she would love the full movie once it’s out come January 15.
What’s the next project for you?
To be honest, I really don’t know. I plan on producing a mini series for Youtube in 2022. I will also be taking up more challenging roles and entertaining people with different stories.
What do you believe is your biggest asset as a screen star?
My talent.
Will you always be an actor, or is there some end game?
I would say once an actor, you will always be one. I don’t plan on ending it anytime soon, since I’m just starting to kick off, but at some point, yes, I would be taking on fewer projects and focusing on other things.
Any weird DMs especially on social media?
That’s a given; people are so weird on social media.
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