Rachael Okonkwo is an award-winning Nollywood actress. She hails from Enugu State. Nkoli, as she is fondly called by her teeming fans, has gained more attention with her knack to interpret role effortlessly. In an interview with CHRISTIAN AGADIBE, the budding actress talks about her journey to acting and the secret of her success. Excerpts:
How have you been able to remain relevant since you made your first appearance on the movie scene?
It has been God’s grace all along and secondly, strong support from family and friends. It has been a very tough journey but passion and dedication are the driving force for me. I have always believed in myself and I knew that all the obstacles in my way were necessary to strengthen me. I always put God first in everything I do.
How did you get your first movie role?
I went for an audition and was given a role.
Were you jittery on set when you started?
I think it’s a normal thing for newcomers to be jittery. I was nervous when I first started. It got a little worse when I had to work with bigger names, which is pretty normal. However, it does not last long as I always find a way to calm down and relax.
So, how have you been faring in the already saturated movie industry?
The industry is growing daily and many people are coming for different reasons but I am very grateful for my accomplishments so far. Considering our specie, we will always aspire for more and I am not going to differ from that trend. One thing that is certain in the industry is true talents will always be recognised and whatever is meant to be yours will always come to you. Time can only be a factor.
How helpful were your older colleagues in your growth and development?
They were always there to encourage and advise me on the right route to take. As an upcoming actress, there are always so many obstructions and sometimes it seems like there is no way forward, but that’s when the older colleagues come to my aid.
Have you been part of any movie set in recent times?
Yes, I have quite a handful that people should look out for.
Which movie gave you your biggest break into Nollywood?
I have been lucky to be a part of so many big movies in the industry. Recently, the one that gave me the biggest break is Nkoli Nwa Nsukka. I really cannot explain how this happened but it was all by God’s grace. Nkoli Nwa Nsukka (seasons 5 & 6) is dropping in a few days and a lot of fans have asked for it.
Was your ambition to become an actress for the money, fame or professional fulfilment?
It was strictly for professional fulfilment and for the money. When you do what you love and get paid at the same time, you just cannot ask for more professional fulfilment. The fame will eventually come. It’s pretty inevitable.
Has acting been a lucrative venture for you thus far?
Yes, but it hasn’t always been this way. You have to invest in it first before you get your returns.
Do you have any unrealised dreams as a budding actress?
I have always wanted to release an album with nice songs I wrote years ago.
What’s your opinion of sex for movie roles which has become rampant in Nollywood?
I believe that this is mostly targeted towards upcoming artistes. It is one of the obstacles that they have to face. I believe that sleeping with numerous producers or other stakeholders cannot get you where you want to be. Let your talents work and fight for you. By the grace of God, believe me, you wouldn’t see it coming.
As an actress, are there some roles you consider ‘forbidden’?
Yes
What are your thoughts on going nude on set?
Its one of the things that I consider as ‘forbidden.’ There is a clear line between pornography and home movies.
Are you currently in any serious date?
I don’t want to talk about it
What characteristics should your ideal man possess?
He has to be God-fearing, humble, understanding, caring and responsible.
What do you consider to be the meaning of love?
Love is the desire to include someone as part of your life forever.
Have you had any sorrowful experience in recent times?
No
Have you ever been broken-hearted?
Yes, but that’s a long time ago before I joined the industry.
Are there vices you’d like to drop personally?
Not quite
What do you consider your selling point as an actress?
My smile. I always get complimented on that.
Tell us about your growing up
Growing up was fantastic but things got rough after I lost my father. As the first born of the family, I had to work hard to support my mother. I was never born with a silver spoon but I grew up in a very comfortable home and a Christian home too.
What were the challenges you faced as an upcoming actress?
As an upcoming actress, nothing will be handed over to you. No one will recognise you and fight for you but yourself. You can easily make or destroy your career at this stage because whatever decisions you make at this point will always follow and hunt you. I didn’t start making money until recent years. I endured all these challenges because I knew where I was going and was pretty sure that I will get there.
You just received awards, tell us about it.
His Excellency, Governor Sullivan Chime, presented me an award as Enugu-born most outstanding upcoming actress 2014. Also, CDGN, Anambra State chapter, awarded me the best-dressed actress 2014.
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