The Unraveling of Elsie Eluwa

The Fruit Tree Magazine
Jan 20, 2017
6 min read

Updated: Sep 30, 2022

My name is Elsie Eluwa. I am an Actor, a writer, and a Presenter. I professionally began acting in 2013. I am a true Nigerian with very moderate Political opinions. I wear a lot of caps... to list a few, I'll start with my biggest and most demanding which is being a mother of two amazing girls who light up my whole world and make my grey days burst with colours.

Some of my movies include:

• Finding Mercy - a Deziot Production. • Misfit - a house 5 Production • Little Ryan - a Lurrenzo Production • A Soldier’s story - a Frankie Ogar production • Silvia - a Trino Studio Production • Desperate Ambitions

ON HER PERSONALITY

What were your teenage years like – Did you have pre-defined hopes and dreams?

I was a bit of a dreamer as a young girl. I had always known that I had to be great, be in the limelight and somehow impact lives. I really never knew how to go about achieving any of these. My dreams and desires were the reason I consistently had a spring in my steps every time I got up to walk.

I am still in the process of achieving them, but as they say...where there is a will, there is a way! So I wake up every day exploring ways of actualizing them – one day at a time. You are an accountant and beautician turned ACTRESS, what intrigued your interest in the entertainment industry.

I had loved the Art even before I became an Accountant or went into fashion and beauty. I started to act from an early age, so it was more like going back to the original plan and giving into my real passion - as I earlier said “I am one who wears many caps”. I just know that the one I am most desirous of wearing is that of the Arts.

So, have you achieved all your aspirations as an actress? What challenges have you faced?

Not at all! There’s nothing easy about this road. Most times you go to bed telling yourself you have quit, but then wake up again and decide to try again. All because there a fire that just wouldn't let you quit on yourself.

I think the biggest challenge especially in our industry is getting the opportunity you need to prove yourself and to express the talent.

In getting to where you are today, how hard did you have to work?

Truth be told...this industry involves a lot of HARD WORK. Ask anyone who has made it today, how many times they’ve tired to quit? They would tell you more times than they care to remember. Being an actor is all about hard work and perseverance.

Tell us how you deal with challenging roles? Do you have a secret formula?

For me, my secret is to rely on the power of my imagination and my ability to remove self from myself in other to assume another personality or character…if this makes any sense.

Describe your personality. Who is Elsie?

Elsie is Down to earth, Lively and oh gosh..... I am a talker.

What do you LOVE about yourself and why?

I love the fact that I don't take life too seriously, so I am able to make a joke about myself at any given time. Why? I am very comfortable in my own skin and yes I do think I am a gift to my generation. Tell us about your first time on set?

My first time on set was a long time ago. It was a bit scary and very nerve wrecking and guess what? That feeling never fully goes away. You just get better at managing it. "New levels new devils" as the saying goes. As you climb higher, the challenges are bigger making you naturally nervous. The beauty of acting is mastering the act of having your nerves under control. It's all a part of the Job.

ON HER CAREER

How do you condition yourself for a role? Do you easily get into character?

It all depends on the character I'm meant to play. Some roles are easier to portray, probably because the character is a bit similar to my own personality. Whilst some may need me to become someone totally or extremely different. Portraying roles like this will require more effort and a general reconditioning of yourself. So, the answer to that can be a "yes" and "no".

What has been your biggest role in a movie and how prepared were you for it? Am yet to get my biggest role. So far I take them as they come and ensure I put my best into whatever the role or character is. I am always anticipating the "biggest role". It's coming!!!!!

As a certified makeup artist, what’s your take on women making up and skin bleaching. Can a woman really do without makeup?

Am not a beauty Specialist though..... But I do have some knowledge about the beauty industry. Let me answer by saying this.... A woman can do without makeup if she chooses to. It's all about her choices and what make HER happy as an individual. If being without makeup makes you happy then by all means go for that look. At the same time, you can put on makeup if you need it to boost your confidence and stuff like that. About Skin bleaching.... That's a NO! NO.! But please be informed that there’s bleaching and there's skin lightening. One is more detrimental than the other. But I'll let the experts educate us more on this topic. What do you think is the greatest challenge facing entrepreneurs today?

Oh, the Economy! It's literally stifling the growth of businesses. In view of your achievements and experience as an actress, what ‘bitter truth’ would you give someone who is aspiring to delve into acting?

First thing I'll say is -You've got to be patient. Secondly - don't be too focused on the glamour because there's so much more. Thirdly - If you don't have an earnest passion for acting....Just don’t even bother. Society often view celebrity life as all glamorous, is there a contradiction?

Of course, that's a myth!

There's the glamour..... Yes. But, there’s also so much more. Believe it or not, people are not always in the mood for the "Glamour" sef but.... you have to keep keeping it on shaa! How man go do naaa? What have you sacrificed your career and was it worth it?

I've made serious sacrifices ooooo! I've left so many more profitable ventures to chase the DREAM..... Yes I believe that eventually it’s all going to be worth it. And honestly.... I wouldn't have it any other way because I am a believer in the saying that there's no greater pleasure than following your dream or chasing your passion. That in itself makes it worth it. Whether you make it or you fail at it. You have already succeeded at something amazing. What’s the one thing your fans do NOT know about you?

Am super emotional. Gosh! But I mask it well. What your next big thing?

For 2017 I have two "buns in the oven". One is a movie, and the other is a talk show. But it's not time to let the cat out of the bag just yet. I'll keep you update as it unfolds.

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on Love and Marriage? I Love LOVE! I believe in MARRIAGE! But I also know that if it's not working don't die in it. Either love or marriage. But I am trusting to be fortunate in both, hopefully sometime soon.

Has being a celebrity affected your family life or relationships in anyway? Ahhhhh. Unfortunately so.... I think you are judged so much quicker because of that status. And everything you do is scrutinized. Especially in a relationship, when you try to express yourself or state a displeasure regarding a certain thing, it can be misunderstood to be selfish just because you are a public figure. Let me put it like this.....You can't get away with anything anymore. Celebrity marriages seldom last, why do you think this is so?

Hmm.....Strange Because I actually was thinking about this literally just a minute ago… Unfortunately, I think we are not generally patient anymore as a people and If the truth be told, it's not just with the celebrities. It’s only more obvious because they are in the spotlight, their stories are told "quickly" and in full disclosure. It's all a reflection of our society today, It's sad and unfortunate. But that's the new reality. Do you sometimes wish you were not in the public eye?

Not really.... but maybe am not that "Popular yet" . Ask me this again at the end of 2017.

ON Lighter Note (Kindly answer in one word or sentence)

What makes you happy? Family

What’s your most embarrassing moment ever? I've had quite a few oooo.

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

The smell of cockroaches. Yuckkkkkk! What do you consider as your greatest achievement in life? Being a mother to my two children ️ ️ ️ If you could only save one thing in your handbag, what would that be? My wallet If you could retract one lie you’ve told, what would that be? Am okay...... its fine.... even when am hurting. What would I find in your refrigerator? Some sort of Meat!!!!! In any form. Am carnivorous like that! If you had the power to make a difference in Nollywood, what would you do? Give new acts/ talents a better chance.