BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

One of the stars of the popular TV Sitcom, Tinsel, Funmi Holder recently premiered her first effort as a movie producer ”The Grudge”, which packed a punch of a powerful mixed cast of Yoruba and English-speaking actors: RMD, Odunlade Adekola, Jaiye Kuti, Iretiola Doyle, and Funmi led the ensemble.

The ‘Grudge’, according to Funmi is a story of the lives of two lovelorn spouses from separate marriages and a lonely widow as they struggle to deal with a grudge that has festered for so long. In this interview, she talks about the movie, the industry and herself.

Funmi Holder

How did you come about your story line?
I wanted to address miscommunication in relationships, be it between husband and wife, brother and sister etc. I noticed that so many people hold things inside them. Things that they could have just discussed and resolved in order to move on. When things like these happen, it gets worse and leads to crisis, affecting other good things around the people involved. I also noticed that people hold grudges against one another at some points in their lives, irrespective of status, tribe, or religion. It took me a year and half to pull “The Grudge” together.
 
Any personal experience?
Not really. But it happens in our day to day life. It is really a story of someone I know that prompted me into producing the film.

Was there any member of cast that was a bit difficult to get?
When I came up with the characters, I looked out for what would be best for each character. There was a particular role, ‘’Taju’’ and I felt that should be Odunlade Adekola. It took me three months to track him down; I was even close to going to Abeokuta, Ogun State as I was bent on using him. Someone even advised me to use somebody else. But I had determined that “No Odun, no shooting”. It was as bad as that. And when I eventually got him, he apologised for keeping us waiting and I am glad I waited.

Why Odunlade Adekola?
His expression, body language and craft are wonderful. He is good at what he does.
 
Since this is your first production, tell us your experience?
It was different. I have never been the brain behind the scene, so it was quite different and challenging. I must admit, I have more respect for producers now. I had to make sure everything was on ground. I learnt to be more tolerant and patient. This is because I had to deal with different people. These are faces I had never seen before, people with different characters, ideas and beliefs. I am more of an introvert.

Could this be one of the reasons it took this long to come up with your own production?
I was really waiting for the right time. I am not the type that rushes into things.  I wasn’t ready mentally, emotionally, and physically. I have written many stories but only waiting for the right time.
 
Were you financially ready too?
I would not want to talk about the financial aspect.

Who is Funmi Holder?
I am the last child of my family with three elder brothers. Born and bred in Lagos State, studied Botany at the University of Ibadan. I have been in Tinsel for seven years now. I have featured in some movies before I joined Tinsel. I love to cook and listen to good music. I love my chosen career but try to run from the paparazzi aspect of it. I really wanted to be a doctor but I was not cool with chemistry.  I had always wanted to act even as a child.  When I was in school, I attended some auditions. So, I knew I had the passion to act but had to wait to get my degree before going for my dream.

Your experience doing soaps and movies?
I will like to say this for the record that I have featured in some movies before I went on Tinsel. For three years, I couldn’t do other things because we were on set every day. And it was the same with most of us that featured in Tinsel. For the first few seasons of Tinsel, we were always in the studio. Tinsel is quite different from other soaps I have done.

Why is Tinsel different?
Tinsel is like a daily show, shot mainly in the studio with few scenes outside the studio. This makes Tinsel different from other soaps I have done.
 
Which seems easy for you?
Studio shoot is easier than location shoot considering logistics.

You are a Yoruba woman, should your fans expect to see you in the Yoruba film?
If a good script comes along, why not?. I am a core Yoruba woman from Ife in Osun State.

But the name “Holder” sounds foreign
I don’t want to talk about that, please. I am known as Funmi Holder and will like it to remain like that.

When do you plan to leave spinsterhood?
Who knows? But I can say I am in a relationship.
 
What is your definition of love?
Love is something we all must experience with the right person. A lot of us fall in love with the wrong person. It is only when you love the right person that love becomes beautiful.

How do you think one can find the right person?
Seriously, I don’t know. Some people are lucky while some are not. I just know love is the most beautiful thing when you are with the right person.

Have you at any time been heartbroken?
Luckily, no.
Do you think stardom could be one of the reasons why some of our actresses who are within the marriageable age are still single?
No, I don’t think so. Whatever happens to the so-called celebrities can happen to the ordinary man. It is only that you might not hear about it. You hear about what happens to me or another actress because we are in the limelight. I think it is an individual thing and not the industry.

Can you date or marry an actor?
It depends. I will never say never. Maybe when I meet one and we get along, why not?

Is recession affecting the entertainment industry too?
I don’t believe there is recession and whatever you don’t believe in will not affect you. It’s not my reality. I refuse to let recession come into my subconsciousness. Nigeria is going through a process, we will be fine someday.

 Did you vote for this present administration?
Actually, I had the intention of participating in the election but I guess I wasn’t in town. And I would have voted for the present administration anyways.