ON A BOULEVARD OF CONQUERED DREAMS

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do for a living?

My name is Uche Nwaefuna...I'm from Delta state... I'm a young enterprising lady. I am very passionate about arts and the entertainment industry of Nigeria and I'm very much involved as an Actor. I try my best to indulge in things that will expand my knowledge in the field that I'm in and in other fields ...

I'm a sucker for learning. I can be a foodie ... I love intercontinental dishes... I love to dance. My sense of fashion is classy and trendy. I'm a fun-loving person very spontaneous. And above all, I am very driven and focused

ON HER PERSONALITY

Tell us briefly about your childhood days, what you loved doing, your hopes and dreams.

My childhood was very interesting with the help of my mum and siblings... I loved family vacation, boat cruise, visiting resorts / zoo's ... Sunday tradition of getting the most amazing meal from my mum ...I always dreamt of being a star to the point where my nickname was Agbani Darego ... my mum instilled in my siblings and I great moral values that has helped me in becoming the lady I am ... one of the fun memories I had as a child was when I'd dress up in my mums clothing and makeup just to act in front of the mirror.

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

I'm sure a lot of artistically inclined people today had childhood desires ... seeing their names on billboards and flashy lights but nothing really prepares you for that moment when you're in the spotlight ...nothing prepares you for the feedback ... It only makes me want to do more, want to be more and make sure that I'm a voice to recon with... Because In this field you can only grow as you go.

Tell us how you manage challenges associated with being a celebrity. Is there a personal recipe?

Is there ever a personal recipe for dealing with these challenges? I would say my recipe is my family. They are my strong support system. They keep me grounded ... sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with work and the whole lack of sleep ... my mum is there to speak wisdom and prayers to me ... I have my older sister (Vanessa that I speak with and she always just finds a way to put me back on track) They help me cope with the challenges of being a celebrity.

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

My personality is fun and nosy (to be enlightened wink) I like the outdoor... I'm a very free-spirited person ... I can be a workaholic but I also love to have fun... I stand for always believe in yourself because only you can raise your self-esteem to 100% ... do what pleases You and Allow no one bring you down.

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

I wouldn't want to change any aspect of my life because everything I've experienced has moulded me into the woman that I am today. I can't take it for granted... the only change and impact I'll focus my energy on is what is to come.

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

if I had the power, it won't be to change but add value to the already soaring growth of the movie industry There's so much growth that is very vivid, there has been top quality productions to impact and add to its already positive growth because now the movie industry has come up to the level of international standards, a level where it can compete with international quality ...it will only be for more growth and elevation which is where I come in by adding value.

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

The most challenging would be the initial stages of my career where I went through some daunting experiences I'd rather keep private.

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

Like I’d always say, you are the key to your own happiness. At the starting point of my career as an actor, I had to deprive myself of certain desires / needs because all I could see was the bigger picture. I believe When you have a dream, you should pursue It. sometimes even if it meant sleepless nights, I'd research and watch monologues days before my audition, because you can't just bank on talent, you have to prune your talent, you have to nurture it ... Never give up ...keep pushing don't say "I don't have enough resources" hence you can't do it. manner won't fall from above ... keyword: MOVE

ON HER CAREER

What roles have you played in a movie and which was the most challenging for you?

My journey so far in the movie industry has been quite interesting although I'm still looking forward to that challenging role that will stretch me beyond my comfort zone plus I have some projects in the pipeline and I'm quite excited for my fans to see what I've been up to ... I won't let the cat out of the bag my journey just begun and I'm here for the long haul ...but it will interest to know some roles I’ve played so far on my past projects; played lead character on my first job as an actor on the hit Mnet tv series 'HUSH' after which I featured in this Movie Blockbuster "Banana island Ghost" and a lot other including the award-winning movie "three wise men".

Would you call acting a satisfying and lucrative profession?

It's a satisfying and lucrative profession for me ... nothing is better than doing what you love

Would you say it’s harder being a female actress in Nollywood or does this come with its share of challenges?

I won't say it's hard being a female actor but yes it has its challenges ... being a worker in any field has its challenges it's inevitable not to be faced with challenges in your field of expertise

In view of your successes/ experience, what ‘bitter truth’ would you give to aspiring actors/ actresses?

Nothing comes easy... you have to work really hard and be willing to face the bad and good life has to offer but still stand firm and driven ... I'm still thriving to get to the top with 'dignity and integrity'.

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

Oh Yes, it's true but that's the only perception they're allowed to have access to ...the entertainment, glitz and glamour is allowed because it comes with the territory.

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

I'd pick myself to play that character because no one can tell my story the way I can.

Do you ever feel pressured as an actress?

Sometimes!! especially when I have a tight schedule and as much as I love love love my job as an actor, it does come with its challenges and it's normal, so I take whatever pressure it comes with and overcome * wink *

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

Hmm ... Well, I can really Dance and I'm a fish in the water ... it's no secret now lol

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on the value of Marriage?

The ultimate goal isn't just earning the title marriage ... it's also about respect, loyalty, understanding, friendship partnership and at the end of the day you are certain that you made the right choice. The value of marriage is based on all these elements and a lot more

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

My family comes first... it's a default plague (in positive sense) they understand how time consuming my work is and when I'm available I make the best of it. The understanding I have with my family helps me create that balance with career and family.

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

You can never really satisfy everyone. There are people who come into your life and stay regardless of the challenges and there are people who go because of these same challenges... life has a way of filtering the right type of people that come into my life and also the type of understanding I have with these people help me in times of pressure

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

My idea of an ideal man is someone who is sensitive, who is compassionate, who is understanding, who has the capacity to love me beyond my flaws. The cliché everyone gets to say is he should be God-fearing but it's not a cliché for me because he should have an acknowledgment of the God factor which is very important. He should be industrious because that in turn is equivalent to financial success.

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

Being in the entertainment field comes with certain perks and one of those perks is being popular. So, the only thing one has to do is manage the popularity.

ON Lighter Note

(Kindly answer in one word or sentence)

When were you happiest?

When I landed my first major role.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I don't have a most embarrassing moment yet.

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

Foot odour.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement?

Doing what I love (Acting)

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

Hmm ... I'd have to think deep about that

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

Nil

What would I find in your refrigerator?

Lots of fruits and food stuff

#Vina #HUSH #UCHE #Actor #Actress #TVHost #Presenter #BananaIslandGhost