BY DAMILOLA SHOLOLA

Kiki Opuru is a fast-rising actress in Nollywood and she has appeared in over 20 movies including The Baby, Island Babes, Daddy’s Girl, and Yankee Student, to name a few. Even though she has captivating sex appeals, the cute and vivacious actress prefers to tow the line of caution when interpreting scripts in order not to come into conflict with her Nigerian culture. In this exclusive interview, she talks about her career, life, and more:

How do you get into character when you see a script?

After reading the script, you picture the character you’re acting and you put yourself into that character. Let’s say I’m acting as a prostitute, I should have that imagination of a prostitute; how they behave, how they think, how they dress, then you fit yourself into that character and you’re good to go.

Can you play a very daring or challenging role in a movie?

Yes, I would love to do that. I have done it once in Island Babes; that was the first time. They gave me a role to act like an Indian goddess. It was so challenging because I had never done something like that before. They just called me immediately and asked me to do it.

I checked the script and it was full of incantations, invocations and all that. I was so taken aback at first I thought I would not be able to do it but I gave it my best shot. I thank God it came out well

What is the first thing you look out for in a script?

The first thing I look out for is the storyline because the storyline matters a lot.

Have you ever been faced with challenges like sexual harassment and all that?

To me, I would say no because I have my manager who does everything for me. He would just call me and say “Kiki, come and pick your script, I know you can do this”. If I’m qualified for the role then I do it and if I’m not qualified, another person takes over.

Which movie did you enjoy working on the set most?

Mixed Feelings. It is a movie I want everybody to watch. The twist in the movie is killing. I won’t say I did my best but at least I am impressed with what I did.

If they give you a story that has a sexual scene in it, would you do it?

As an artist, I would do it because it’s my job but it depends on the story. This is Nollywood so there should be a limit because of our culture.

Can you wear a bikini in a movie?

No I can’t do that. My body is precious.

Can you kiss in a movie?

I did something like that with the late Muna Obiekwe in a movie called Agonized but it’s not yet out. He was my boyfriend in the movie.

Have you ever been attracted, or had a crush on any actor you’ve worked with?

No, I haven’t.

How did you get into acting?

I went to an acting school called Manex Movie Academy. It was from there I got into it. I have this passion for acting; I like to see myself on TV, people telling me we saw you on TV and all that. So that was how I started.

What movie shot you to limelight?

The movie that brought me out was Daddy’s Girl.

Who do you look forward to working with?

Mercy Johnson. She gives me joy whenever she’s acting. Another person is Majid Michel; I can’t wait to act with him.

You have a crush on him?

I don’t have a crush on him but he’s a wonderful actor, that’s why I want to work with him.

Are you currently in any relationship?

I love my privacy.

What are your hobbies?

I love singing, I love eating and I love dancing. Every morning I dance to keep fit because I don’t go to the gym.

How do you view sex?

Sex is a gift from God and it is meant for married people.

What of people who are single and want to mingle?

Wait upon the Lord.

What is it that attracts you to a man?

I like my privacy.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far since you got into Nollywood?

Be yourself, don’t listen to gossip, just be yourself; be focused and know what you want for yourself.

Have you ever played as a prostitute?

Not a prostitute but a ‘runs girl’ in a movie called My Regret.

As an actress, how do you want people to see you?

I want people to see me as someone who is responsible; not a wild girl.

Do you do anything else apart from acting?

I am into make-up, I’m into beauty world. We do hair, nails, massage and all that.

What more should people expect from you?

They should expect to see the best from me; I’m going to make them proud.