Chita Agwu has acted in over  20 movies and  is still counting. She is  also a TV presenter of an Igbo programme known as ‘Akanchanwa’ which will soon be showing on Africa Magic.

In this interview with Florence Amagiya, Chita, who survived a fatal accident recently on her way to Lagos from Asaba, Delta State, opens up on how she copes with acting and TV presentations in Igbo .  Excerpts

Is your appearance on TV an accident?

Nope, it’s not by accident. I have always loved acting because I have a passion for it. Right from childhood, I have always liked watching T.V and I said to myself that I want to appear on T.V someday.

Chita Agwu

It all began in Abuja when I started my I.T. I had gone to visit Oge Okoye at her location. They were shooting one movie titled “Arsenal” and that movie was directed by Afam Okereke. I told Afam about my intentions and that was the genesis of my acting career.

Have you always wanted to act?

I loved actors even while growing up and I also love acting. To me, this is a dream come true.

How far do you want to go in acting?

I want to get to a stage in acting where I would be famous for my acting abilities, both locally and internationally.

How many movies do you have to your credit?

I have acted in 20 movies and I’m still counting.

What role did you play in some of these movies?

I have done several roles in movies. I have acted the bad girl, the good girl; in fact I have done several roles. What’s important to me is the interpretation of any role I am given.

Do you choose your roles ?

Chita Agwu

I don’t choose my roles. Once you are given a script, you have to read the character that is given to you, and you can improvise if necessary.

In which way has your life transformed since your debut on T.V

Wow, well it’s been fun because it has given me the exposure and the opportunities and I have come across so many people through this medium. Apart from the benefits, it has given me more experience and confidence in my career.

What are your regrets since becoming an actress?

So far, I would say I have no regrets because this is what I love doing. Acting is fun and at the same time challenging. It needs a lot of hard work to grow, so I am pressing hard to improve my skills and with God on my side; I know I will get to where I want to.

Tell us a little about Chita Agwu.

Chita Agwu is a lady in her mid 20’s. I hail from Uburu in Ohazara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. I am from a family of 9, father, mother and 7 children. I am the 6th child of my parents. I attended my primary and secondary schools in Ebonyi State. I read Mass Communication afterwards at Ebonyi State University. I am from a Christian home. I am a nice and fun loving person.

Can you date for roles?

No, no, no. I can’t do that.

For the right money, can you act nude?

God Forbid. I can never do that. I have the fear of God in me and also I have a family name to protect. My parents will disown me if I do that!

What is the story circulating about you and Mike Ezuruonye?

Jesus! What story? Mike is just a friend and a colleague, nothing more. He is the one person I respect so much in the industry.

If you are asked to date, who will you want to go out with in the industry?

For now, that’s not in my agenda. I have everyone as my friend and dating anyone is not my priority.

Can you stand a cheat ?

No, I can’t, because when I love someone, I love with my whole heart and life. So you dare not cheat on me, hell no! For me to be in a relationship with you, that means I love you and I don’t expect you to mess around with my feelings.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes, I am in a relationship but I don’t want to discuss it.

What’s Nollywood short comings compared to Hollywood?

Chita Agwu

Well, first and foremost, I must say finance is a major factor. In Hollywood, they finance their films with lots of money and it makes it look more real and entertaining. They get the best kind of facilities to do their shooting compared to Nollywood where I think they use only what is available.

I think they also use better locations to depict what they want. They have more professionals compared to Nollywood but I know someday we will get there.

What if the right man comes along, would you stop acting?

My definition of my Mr. Right is a man that will support my career, love me for who I am and will always be there to encourage me.

You had an accident when returning from Asaba the other day from a location. What is the cause of the accident?

First of all, I have to thank God for saving my life and that of my colleagues, Ese Brodricks and Chinwe Isaac. I didn’t know that God loves us that much. Even though my car is a write off today, I still give Him thanks because of the gift of life. A better car would come but we cannot buy life.

Well that particular day, we were returning to Lagos, on getting to Ijebu Ode, my driver was trying to avoid a pothole and lost control of the vehicle, and ran into a parked trailer. We managed to get out of the car and some good Samaritans assisted us to the hospital where we started receiving treatment.

What’s your advice to travellers this festive season?

My advice to everyone travelling is that they should be very careful as they drive. Speed kills; drive carefully because the roads are very bad. It is better to get there late than to be the late. We don’t pray for any eventuality, but you have to take care of yourself before calling on the Almighty God to take care of you. A word is enough for the wise.

What else do you want to do to impact on lives?

I will like to support the motherless babies and cater for the less privileged.

What should Government do to checkmate child sexual abuse on the increase today?

I think the Government should pass a law that says the offender of such crime would face a capital sentence. Maybe that would erase it completely because to me, whoever defiles a child is sick or a demon.

What do you do apart from acting?

I am also an Igbo T.V. presenter for a programme called (Akanchanwa). It’s an Igbo programme where people showcase their talents, the kind of business they do to make money and it is an avenue where creative people discuss their affairs to impact other people lives. It’s a strictly Igbo programme where we all speak Igbo language and it’s set to start airing by January 2012, although, the advert is already on Africa Magic.

What’s your form of relaxation?

When I want to relax, I sing because singing puts me in the right mood for relaxation.

You have a great body, how do you manage it?

I work out.

What are your plans in the next five years?

My plan is to build an unbeatable initiation that would elevate Nollywood to Hollywood standard.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for the support I give to the less privilege. I also want to be remembered for the lesson I impact through my role in movies. I want to be an ambassador that people will look up to and say this is my role model.

What advice do you have for would-be actresses?

My advice to them is to be focused. They shouldn’t allow anyone discourage them and they should also work very hard to achieve their dreams.