Uche Elendu is a Nollywood actress who is passionate about what she does. In this interview she goes down memory lane to talk about how it all started, memorable moments, challenges and more.
WHAT attracted you to acting?
It is something that I am passionate about but it started formally over 10 years ago when I was still in the university. Then I got introduced by a friend to her father, who was then a veteran actor at the time. At that point, he saw the talent and passion I had in interpreting roles, he decided to give me a shot and look where I am today. Life as an actress has its up and downs; the popularity is a plus and also a minus too. Once you step out of your house, automatically you become other people’s business. I don’t usually have that freedom to do what I used to do freely before like taking strolls, going to the market and so on… But all the same I thank God because it is by His grace that I am where I am today.
What gives you inspiration to do the things you do?
First of all, I would say God Almighty is my ultimate inspiration. I go to him every time in devotion and He has never failed me. He directs my footsteps and guides me all the way. My parents also inspire me greatly because I try to make sure I am not a disappointment to them in any way and I follow every guideline and principles of life they have taught me HAT attracted you to acting?
It is something that I am passionate about but it started formally over 10 years ago when I was still in the university. Then I got introduced by a friend to her father, who was then a veteran actor at the time. At that point, he saw the talent and passion I had in interpreting roles, he decided to give me a shot and look where I am today. Life as an actress has its up and downs; the popularity is a plus and also a minus too. Once you step out of your house, automatically you become other people’s business. I don’t usually have that freedom to do what I used to do freely before like taking strolls, going to the market and so on… But all the same I thank God because it is by His grace that I am where I am today.
What gives you inspiration to do the things you do?
First of all, I would say God Almighty is my ultimate inspiration. I go to him every time in devotion and He has never failed me. He directs my footsteps and guides me all the way. My parents also inspire me greatly because I try to make sure I am not a disappointment to them in any way and I follow every guideline and principles of life they have taught me and complications came out lifeless but God in his infinite mercies used a nurse to give her mouth-to-mouth respiration and she heaved a breath, before the doctors took action because they had already given up and also having my second angel after nine years of having the first child wasn’t easy at all. But honestly, these things just make me more assured that I’m special to God and I’m indeed a child of grace.
What are some of the challenges encountered?
One of the challenges I encounter in the course of my career is having to go to work on set and be away from home for weeks without being there for my daughters. Our job can be really challenging, time consuming and demanding; so having to incorporate it with my family life is a real challenge for me. But I’ve come to terms with it and worked out a strategy that makes it so easy for me to be away from home working for months and I’m sure my kids are very fine.
Also, of course, in the course of the job, having to leave your comfort zone and camp in the bush if need be for the success of the production is an interesting challenge too.
To say the least, my job is very challenging and possessive that I find it difficult to keep up with any side hustle because I need to fully concentrate on putting my best into the interpretation of any role I’m given.
How did you cope with them?
Well, as a professional, there’s always a way to manage career and personal life. So, every time I am about to work, I make sure I know how long I’ll be spending on set. Then I make sure everything is in order in my home before I leave. God has just been there; it isn’t easy balancing work and home duties. I just make sure I do all the shopping needed and my mum has been supportive. She used to be a headmistress in a private school in Lagos, but I had her stop work to give her enough time to spend and take care of her grandkids. So with her around, I can go to the moon. I’m sure she even does it better.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?
God is my influence through and through. He guides me, provides for me and protects me because He’s the only One I look up to.
Let’s compare when you started and now; what has changed?
Life is a whole lot different now than it used to be some years back, like I’m getting older by the day, more mature and much more learned and experienced, much more responsibilities and many more people look up to me. So, I have to make sure I don’t let them down. Aside that, not much has changed. I still go where I want to go, hangout with whom I want to hang out with. In my industry, a lot has changed progressively. We have graduated from doing dramas to making movies. The past people see our movie as just another drama or joke, but now the masses are taking us seriously. We have increased our expertise and technically we are going with the trend and getting more reasonable pictures. Our stories are more diverse and relatable. We have so many nice movies with very good storylines and role interpretations. There are diverse means of movie distribution. I mean way back we used to go to the cinema to watch only Hollywood movies but now our Nollywood movies are sold out in cinemas as compared to Hollywood movies. People are beginning to embrace us, corporate bodies are beginning to invest in Nollywood; brands have begun to evaluate our commercial value and endorse us to make their brands popular and sellable. Nollywood is being represented in highly placed government positions and our voices are heard and recognised in government administrative issues, In fact, we have really grown and even though we are still working hard to get there, I’m proud of Nollywood and proud of how far I have come and it is all by the grace of the Almighty God.
What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?
For me, I would love the law to fall heavily on those pirating our movies. It’s not helping our industries at all because it has eaten deep into the system. A situation whereby a producer will spend money to do a movie and someone somewhere will get a copy and pirate other fake copies and start selling to the public, this is what we have been fighting against for years and are still fighting. If it can be nipped in the bud, it will encourage the production of more quality movies with great contents.
What is your definition of style?
Comfortability. I want to be comfortable and classy with what I do, how I dress, where I go to, so I don’t get into undue pressure and get unnecessary attention. Style is all about being yourself. It’s as short as that. For me, I do the things I am comfortable doing, wear what fits me and never settle for less. Just as all human beings are different in some ways, so are our styles. So, anyone who tries to be like another person automatically has no style. That’s the way I see it.
What are some of the items that you treasure most in your wardrobe?
I’m not particularly vain or materialistic but I treasure every wardrobe item; the handbags, jewelleries, shoes, the outfit itself, perfumes and so on, because all these make me complete when I go out.
How do you relax?
I’m an extremely private person and I enjoy quiet times a lot. I read books because I like to broaden my knowledge and I also love to rest. But I go to the beach with my kids on weekends or accompany them to their friends’ birthday parties when my older daughter insists. I rarely go out with peers and colleagues to functions; I just love to stay indoors.
Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models
I admire Eucharia Anunobi a lot because of how passionate she is about her job and she goes all out to interpret her roles. She has been my role model since I got into the industry, and she’s someone I can work with anytime. Also, we seem to have similar areas of interest and spiritually we connect. We also look alike. I receive a lot of prayers and spiritual advice and guidance from her. Also, I admire the likes of Olu and Joke Jacobs, Genevieve etc. These are all great professionals I admire. My mum is my role model, for sure, due to the way she handled my siblings and I while growing up and the role she has continually played in our lives and is still playing in the life of my children physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.
If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?
Everything can be achieved by hard work and determination. Never back down on your dreams. You can achieve anything you want if only you set your heart towards it and always talk to God about anything because He is the one to make it happen.
source: Thenation
