Nollywood Voices | 29 May 2011 20:39 CET

I Always Wonder Why Men Think Actresses Are Sex Objects - Princess Yemi Olatunde

By ADUNOLA FASUYI

Princess Olayemi Olatunde was into film production before she ventured into acting, after her education at the Sokoto State Polytechnic. She also has one thing to her advantage, she's a multi-linguist as she speaks Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English Languages fluently. In this interview with ADUNOLA FASUYI, she speaks on many issues including her foray into acting among others. Excerpts:

What are the things that shot you to stardom?
Personally, I have used the little money I have and the understanding of some industry experts to project myself to stardom. And I thank God for lifting me to this level. Basically it has been hardwork, steadfastness and God.

How have you been able to manage the stardom?
I am still my humble self. I have not allowed stardom to get into my head. I relate with everybody with high sense of humility and respect. I know God took me to where I am now, so that can't make me change to start treating people anyhow. What stars don't know is that, once you allow fame to get into your head and you become snobbish, you are on your way to the bottom, to perdition. So, for me, I have not changed.

How would you describe your background?
I'm from a humble background

How humble was it?
Just skip that aspect of my life, but I am from a humble background.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the North. Kano State, to be precise.

Counting one, two, three, where would you place yourself in the cadre of female actresses in Nigeria?
It is not for me to rate myself. It is for the others, industry and fans to do so. But by and large, I know I am really trying.

Aside the challenges you face on a regular basis on the job, what other challenges do you face?
It is nothing but the issue of men disturbing me. They always believe that every lady in the industry must be loose; therefore, they must sleep with them. It is a very serious issue but of course because I am disciplined, I manage them well without necessarily being rude. The rush from men is terrible. I always wonder, why do men think that professionals in the movie industry are loose? It is just a normal career like banking, engineering, teaching etc.

Are you talking from experience?
Well, experience is the best teacher, and don't go further on that because no more comment.

What's your take on marriage?
Marriage is a sweet, lovely thing, whereby there's understanding and communication between the parties involved.

Can you tell us about your marriage?
Everybody knows I am separated. And that is still my marital status till date.

Do you have plans to remarry?
I will let you know when I decide on that.

Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
Not really.

How do you ward off advances then?
I always let them know I am not readily available.

When will you be readily available?
Because I am not just available.

How do you feel when you read all these negative reports about entertainers?
I feel sad sometimes, but, at times, it is justified when those involved have actually done wrong.

How would you compare your entry into the industry and now that you're a known star?
It has eroded my privacy. I have lost that to stardom. Sometime, I wish to do what an ordinary person does but when I think of my personality, I quickly retrace my steps. Honestly, fame has its advantages and disadvantages, it's not always sweet.

Who are your friends in the industry; who would you not rather associate with and why?
Everybody in the industry is my friend.

What has changed in your lifestyle since you started out?
Lots of things that I used to do then that I can no longer do are things that have changed about me. There are a lot and I can't begin to mention now.

What is your most challenging film?
I will mention just two; EYA, starring Muyiwa Ademola, Enebeli Elebuwa, Iya Awero; then also; ROYAL WIFE, starring Patience Nzokwor, Pete Edochie, Chioma Chukwuka, Fred Aseroma etc. They were both challenging but very successful.

How was the experience of your first kiss like?
I can't recollect.

How did you choose this career?
I started acting from the church.

What would you personally consider your major achievement in life?
I can't disclose that for now. It will lead to arrogance if I start mentioning what and what I have achieved. God has been so good to me and I don't have to start mentioning to the entire world about that.

Aside acting, what other talents do you display?
I do sing, and I'm into decorations. I have done quite a lot of interior and exterior decorations for a lot of big companies and individuals as well.

What are your regrets in life?
Relying on friends who later stabbed me in the back is my greatest regret about life. Atimes, its good you keep to yourself than depending on and telling all about yourself to friends because they can later betray you. Aside this, God has been so faithful to me and I thank Him greatly for that.

What would you have become if you had not been an actress?
I would have become a broadcaster. I loved to be seen on the screen.

What would you not be caught doing?
I wouldn't want to be caught dead engaging in prostitution or stealing. These are what I detest most in life. Other things are there though, but these two, I can't stand those who indulge in them.

How do you cope with pressure from your numerous admirers?
There are no pressures. Can we skip that please?

How would you access your performance in the industry?
My performance in the industry has been steady and encouraging, that's all I can say for now.

What can you tell us about your new film premiered recently?
AJO DERE, starring Muyiwa Ademola, Enebeli Elebuwa, Shola Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Alapini, Orishabunmi etc was a success during the premiere. I pray it'll have overwhelming acceptance when it hits the stands.

What motivates you to do things?
The desire to make remarkable marks in life.

Are you romantic?
Yes, I am. Tell me, which woman out there is not?

What part of your body do you cherish most?
The whole of my body. Thank God for creating me like this.

What's sex to you?
Sex is sweet if appropriately indulged in, and not abused.

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