Kiki Omeili - DOCTOR TURNED ACTOR

Please tell us who you are and what you do for a living?

My name is Kiki Omeili.

I'm a medical doctor turned actor. (yup, 2 extremes, I know!)

I'm down to earth, hardworking, fun loving and a 'go-getter'. I'm passionate about health advocacy, I like to see/help people live better, so I infuse my knowledge of medicine as much as possible into my art.

ON HER PERSONALITY

What was special about your childhood, what were your hopes and dreams?

I grew up with three siblings, an older sister and two younger brothers. I loved playing lots of outdoor games - those ones that are practically non-existent today (thanks to all the tablets and video games). As a child, I loved performing on stage in school and I also love music. I didn't think too hard about what I was going to be in future, I was too busy being a happy child.

Did you ever imagine you’d one day be in the spotlight? What was the initial feeling like?

To be honest, I never thought I'd be in the spotlight. In the beginning, I didn't really realise what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I loved performing, I loved the arts and I was going to pursue my dream of doing what I loved. It was more or less like tunnel vision. The goal was to successfully break into entertainment and I didn't rest until I achieved that.

Do you face challenges as a celebrity and how do you manage them?

As a celebrity, there’s the challenge of "loss of privacy'. Also, people look up to you and expect so much from you, they forget that you are human. As Kiki, I simply take it in my stride. I take everyday as it comes. I separate my private life from my work life and I treat people with respect.

Describe your personality, you beliefs and what you stand for?

I'm a Happy go lucky person, I’m very down to earth and very passionate. I believe in treating people with respect, I believe in standing for what you believe in and I believe in going after what you want. I believe in the power of your dreams, you should always believe in yourself and not let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do.

If you could change an aspect of your life, what would that be?

Everything I’ve experienced and gone through in life have helped shape me into the Person that I am today. I wouldn't change a thing.

If you had the power to change the film industry (Nollywood), what wold you do?

I'd provide the funds to enable the talented filmmakers create wonderful art. It's heartbreaking to see potential film projects that never see the light of day because of lack of funding. I'd also change the structure of Nollywood. I'd ensure that actors receive royalties and have unions fighting on their behalf.

What episode of your life would you term as the most challenging?

Each episode of my life has come with its own challenges, but i'd say the most challenging was trying to successfully transition from being a doctor to being a successful actor without losing the essence of who I am as a doctor. That wasn't easy to do, particularly because not a lot of people are willing to give a doctor a chance in Nollywood. Lol.

If you had the opportunity to inspire someone with an event from your life, what would that story be?

I'd tell them about all the rejections that I faced when trying to become an actor, about how people recoiled on hearing that I was a doctor, asking me what I was doing at auditions, saying that I had misplaced priorities and I should wake up and smell the coffee. Today, I've been able to carve a niche for myself in the industry and have several Nominations and awards to show for it, both locally and internationally.

The only person that knows how badly you want something is you. People don't have to understand you or where you're going. As long as YOU understand where you're going, you’re good.

ON HER CAREER

What has been your biggest role in a movie and how challenging was it for you?

I've had lots of challenging roles. From playing a rape victim in "Sting" to playing an uncouth gangster in "Gbomo Gbomo Express" to playing a money hungry hustler in "Lekki Wives", the list goes on and on. Each role comes with its challenges.

Do you make money from acting or it’s just a satisfying profession?

It's a satisfying profession in that if acting is what you love to do, if it's what you live and breathe for, you'll derive satisfaction and fulfillment from it. It's not the most lucrative profession out there.

How easy is it for female actors in Nollywood?

Hmmmm, I wouldn't say it's harder being a female actor in Nollywood, as opposed to being a male actor. But then, I wouldn't really know. I'm female, so all I know is what we go through. I can't speak for the guys.

Based on your experience, what would be your advice to an aspiring actors?

It's a jealous profession. It will take up so much of your time, life and won't give you a lot in return, except personal fulfillment.

You will not have time for the things and even the people you love. You'll miss out on family events and they will probably not understand. Sad, but true.

The fans often view celebrity life as all glamorous and void of heartaches. Would you say this is true? Kindly give your reason.

The Glamour that the fans see is only one part of the life of a celebrity. There are pains too, and so much to deal with. Juggling several things at the same time and trying to deal with loss of privacy aren't easy things to deal with. Celebrities are people too, with their own share of heartaches and frustrations.

If Nollywood made a movie about your life, who would you pick to play your character?

Nse Ikpe Etim! She's so believable. She’d do it justice.

Do you ever feel pressured as an actress?

Definitely. There are certain demands that the industry makes on you. However, It's up to you to choose how to deal with it. I try not to let the pressure get to me.

What’s the one thing your fans do NOT know about you?

I'm a goofball! Lol and I know lyrics to so many songs. It will make head’s spin.

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on the value of Marriage?

I think Marriage is a wonderful institution when two people who love each other and can add value to each other's lives come together. It's a good thing when it's with the right person.

What comes first, your career or your family? How do you prioritize?

Family def! The order is GOD, Family and Career.

Has being a celebrity affected your family life or relationships in anyway?

Nope. I'm still same old me. Truth is, I don't see myself as a celebrity. I see myself like I always have. Being a celebrity is the icing on the cake.

What’s your idea of the ideal man and should he necessarily be Rich?

My Ideal man, hmmmmmmm!! When I see him, I’ll know.

He doesn't necessarily have to be rich. If he's focused and hardworking, the wealth will come.

Do you sometimes wish you were not popular, if not, why so?

Yes, I do. Sometimes you want to take a walk down the road or just do something so out of the way without being recognized.

ON Lighter Note

When were you happiest?

I believe I was happiest as a child. No worries, no bills. Sigh*

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I'm not easily embarrassed, so nothing comes to mind right now.

If you could eliminate one odour, what would that be?

The smell of burning tyres. Yuck!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a successful Doctor/ Actor of influence.

If you could only save one thing from your house, what would that be?

My MBBS certificate.

If you could retract one lie you’ve told, what would that be?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Nothing comes to mind right now.

What would I find in your refrigerator?

Crackers! I'm a crackers lover. Always have been.

Photography by Ellis Mbeku for EMSTUDIOSng

www.emstudiosng.com

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