I Will Never Go Nude On Set - Okpoko

Multi-talented Nollywood actress Maureen Okpoko who has featured in popular movies and TV series like, Dear Mother, Cat of Darkness, Lady Gaga, Fazebook Babes, Mr. President, Ill Conscience, Living in Lagos, A Love like Ours, Tinsel, Daughters of Eve, has disclosed that she is yet to take a script which will compel her to go nude in front of the camera.

In an exclusive chat with one of our Reporter  Naij.com in Lagos, the actress who is always on low-cut recounts her experience in the movie industry, but vowed that she will never take a script that will make her expose her endowments to the world.

Excerpts:

You have been in the movie industry for six years now, how has it been?

I think so far so good, I have done so well for myself considering how I started and where I am coming from. There had been a lot of improvements and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So, what is happening to me now…. i thank God for everything, and I also thank my parents and brothers; infact they have been my pillars of strength.

Maureen Okpoko

They has helped me this far. It’s not easy in the industry, people come and go. It has not been a bed of roses. You really have to be tenacious, you have to persevere. You need to be focused and nothing will deter you. To attain what you want in the industry, you have to combine all these I just mentioned.

In six years, you are already getting to the top, how have you managed the success.

…..Cuts in. Well well, because I am a woman of the people and you have to be humble, which people have told me severally. However, sometimes when people approach me in public, they run to me and just hug me. And at all times one has to be friendly as much as possible.

Of course we are also humans and may not be in the mood at that moment, and when you are not warm in your response, they start feeling bad. So, most times you just have to maintain and then compose yourself.

There is a general belief that directors and producers in the movie industry demand to get intimate with actresses especially the upcoming ones before giving them a good role, was that your case too?

For me, this was not the case. Possibly because I came-in as an adult. No one has ever come to me to say before he would give me a role, I have to sleep with him. Though I have heard of this, and some people have recounted their experiences but sometimes, it’s not just the guys that goes for the ladies, sometimes, the girls go to these people to demand roles too. No one will put a knife on your neck to say ‘play ball’. Always walk away with your dignity.

Why is it that in most Nollywood movies, in the end, it’s either the problem is solved by an herbalist or a pastor or through some supernatural ways. Can’t some of these problems be solved empirically?

Well, this is not peculiar to the English genre. We have tried to improve so much and I guess we are trying our best.

Can you interpret a script even if you need to act nude?

….laughs! Well if I want to be sincere, I don’t think so. Actually I am yet to receive a script which mandates me to go nude in front of the camera.

Tough, there was one that the wrapper I was putting on had to go off my body, but actually there was an underwear, but the viewers won’t see that.  However, these scripts you have to interpret them really well.

But will you go nude to interpret it?

I am coming to that, I understand you. I don’t think I will act nude in any movie. As I am talking to you, I don’t think I will.

What your reason?

Must I have a reason? I don’t think I would want to show off my endowments like that.  Not in public…(laughs)

Let’s talk about piracy; do you think Nigeria can solve this locust?

Honestly, this piracy of a thing is a thorn in the flesh. Although the marketers and the Censors Board have tried a couple of times, but it’s not really working because I could remember that before ‘Half Of A yellow Sun’ came out, they had already started selling it on the streets, hawking the movie; my colleague in the car said to me ‘oh my goodness!

This movie is not yet out. How much is the owner going to make? That’s why you see most times, most movies are marketed outside Nigeria first, before they bring it in to start selling.

So they make their money from premieres outside Nigeria. Piracy is killing us; government has stepped-in and trying their best. It hurts when you see a CD with 20 in 1 movies. And people buy them, they don’t care. It has to be a gradual process, and government should please do more.

So, what film are you currently working on?

It is owned by B-Concept and the executive producer is Blessing Effiong and I am really part of the job. It’s called ‘One Room’.

Who was the first big actor of actress you acted alongside?

Wow! Patience Ozokwo! I call her Mama G. It was a wonderful experience. I like her so much and have worked with her a couple of times. She is a wonderful person.

One room? How many people are in there and what are they doing?

One Room, that’s the title …..(chuckles). I am still working on it.

You seem to be quite unique as your hair is always low which stands you beautifully out; what’s the secret?

Thanks for the compliments. I just love being on low-cut. This will be my twelfth year on low cut. I like it. It singles me out and makes me unique.

Some ladies have tried to copy by doing the same, but it still doesn’t work for them, so they go back to their style. I also feel comfortable and I feel good on it.

Let’s get private now. Of course you are married and got kids, tell us about your family life.

Well, I was married. I have three children a boy and two girls. They are of the ages of 15, 13 and 11 respectively. I don’t want to talk about my marriage now.

And how is motherhood?

Well it’s fun. I am trying to bring them up in the best possible way I can. To inculcate good manners in them and make them see the world as it is. In this world, you have to work hard to become an achiever. So, they are working hard.

You seem to be a very determined person, where do you see yourself five years from now?

I am very determined. Five years from now, I would love to see myself being a household name, a popular figure, not just nationally but internationally as well. To be an internationally acclaimed actress.

Your advice for upcoming ones.

They should come in. Many of them walk up to me that they want to and I encourage them.  I remember when I came in too, I went for an audition. I was given a big challenge, but I was focused and I was determined to make it big in this industry. Come in with a sincere purpose and in fact you can get roles from auditions.

Finally what will you tell your fans?

Hmmmm….i call them my friends. I need to thank them because they have been there for me. They are the best and I promise to keep working hard.