There was a time the news went round that Ireti Osayemi-Bakare snatched her friend's boyfriend but the Yoruba actress says she is not bothered. In this interview with Ada Onyema, the award-winning wife of Yoruba movie producer and director, Becky Bakare, talks about this and other issues

Why do you feature mostly in Yoruba movies?

I get more jobs from the Yoruba industry; that is why I do more of Yoruba movies.

Is it your way of bidding farewell to the English genre?

No, it can't be Yoruba for life because we all pray for better opportunities; it depends on where the job takes you.

How much were you paid during your first movie?

I wasn't bothered about what I was going to be paid then, but I was given N5,000.

You were once quoted to have said that you were in the movie industry to make money.

Well, people can say whatever they like but first of all, I love the job. I want to interpret my roles, allowing people to learn and feel relaxed. I have the passion for the industry. It is not about the money, but also my love for what I do. There is a heavy price you pay for fame. I wish I could just walk freely, go to the market, do things any normal girl would do. You can't be who you want to be. People out there don't understand. They look up to you. At times, you are being turned into a goddess. Fame takes away your freedom; people don't accept that you are human like any other person.

But in spite of the price you pay doing the job, you still love the fame.

Yes, I know that when I came into the industry, it was not for the fame but my love for it. But when you think of the pay, stress and everything that comes around it, you can just decide to call off their bluff but the passion for the job keeps you going.

When you ventured into the movie industry, did your parents give you full support?

My mother was totally against it. She vehemently kicked against it because according to her, actresses are all prostitutes. But my father supported me. Unfortunately, he is late and my mother is actually the one enjoying it.

How does she feel today?

She is proud of me and boasts of her daughter.

How did you meet your husband?

I met my husband in the industry. He is a production manager, producer and a director.

How do you feel working with your husband on set?

He is a professional. When it comes to this job, he treats me like any other person. At times, when we are working together and I don't finish up on time, he leaves me. But at home, he is a loving husband.

What was the attraction?

He is a loving man. I had heard so much about him before we actually met. One day, I was stranded and he went out of his way and dropped me at home.

So, how long into the relationship did he propose?

Well, we started dating seven years ago and we tied the knots three years ago.

How are you coping with your husband, being in the same industry?

We both understand the terrain. I will just say it is the grace of God. It is not in the movie industry alone. I can imagine what a banker will go through as well. At times, your husband may be at home and you are busy on location: who is cooking for him, what are my kids doing?

Are there challenges associated with being an actress?

Of course there are a whole lot of challenges. Sometimes, you have to choose between your job and the children. You could get another job so you have to stay with your kid: which could be challenging. Sometimes you may be on location, and not satisfied with some things and you have to joggle the job.

Have you had a bad press before and how did you handle it?

Bad press? Yes. When a tabloid had it that I snatched my best friend's boyfriend and got married to him and all that. I wasn't bothered because I did not snatch my best friend's boyfriend. It did not get to me because up till today, I'm still wondering where they got the story from.

And your husband?

He didn't even move an inch. He was like, let them say whatever they like.

How does your husband feel watching you in romantic scenes?

He understands the job; he knows that where you are acting that scene, you have about five other people behind the camera watching you. He directs people too to play love scenes, so he knows what happens on set and he is not bothered about it. I think basically people who have such problems are those who married outside the industry. Their husbands do not understand what goes on there, but my husband understands it and that is a privilege for me.

Having gone this far in the industry, have you been sexually harassed before?

You know what I keep telling people: we are all adults. If a man says he wants to date you, you have the right to agree or not. Nobody will force you. If a director says if you don't sleep with him you won't get a role, you sleep with him because you agreed to sleep with him. If you don't get his role, for goodness sake, there are many other roles there for you if you are good. So, this whole fuss about being sexually harassed is what I don't understand.

But you have fought before to get a lead role?

I have never fought over a lead role. The only time I had to do that was when we were being auditioned and the producer, director and writer were confused on who to pick for the role. So, we had to fight for the role by doing your best to convince the producer, director, writer or whoever is on that casting table that you can do it. But fighting physically, no.

How about being in enmity with other actresses as a result of a particular role?

The truth is that you cannot be everywhere. A job that is yours will definitely be yours.

Can you act nude?

Mba! I wouldn't go nude because we are Africans, we don't believe in going naked. Abroad, people can actually go about their normal businesses with bikinis, bum shorts but if you do that here, they will definitely think you have gone mad. Why would I want to act nude?

If you would want to change anything about you, what would that be?

The only thing I would like to change about me is my being too soft. I think I would have loved it if I am a little bit harder. But every other thing, I am sure God knows why He created it that way.

How do you see style?

First of all, I'm not a stylish or trendy person, but basically I wear what I am comfortable in.

You were romantically linked with one actor before you got married.

Oh so you heard about it? That was one of those lies I'm still trying to fathom till today.

Are you saying there was nobody then?

Of course I did date. I did have relationships before I met my husband but that was in the past.

How did you come into the movie industry?

My elder brothers used to do stage plays: he came home one day and said, 'Do you know I can take you to these people you watch on television every day?' I did not believe him, but he took me to watch the stars acting. But prior to this time, I had been longing to have an opportunity to act and I was fortunate because, before I knew it, I started going from one audition to the other and here I am today.

What price did you have to pay to get to where you are today?

The prize? Hey! I have lost my privacy and freedom. At times, I just wish I could sit in a Danfo (commercial vehicle), sit at the door and get some breeze. I can't do it. I can't jump a bike. Even when I'm riding with my husband and you want to buy boli (roasted plantain), it seems impossible. You get to buy a top at a shop twice the price just because you are an actress. I could go on and on.

Have you been embarrassed before?

So many times. A lady ran towards me one day and was like 'You are the reason why my husband will not give me attention.' I was shocked. Maybe she mistook me for someone else. But actually, she meant it. I was so embarrassed. I have had a woman accuse me of cooking for the husband, but in the actual sense of it, the husband told her that just to get back at her. It really did work for the man because he used me to reconcile with the wife.

Any regret in life?

About my job, none because I love my job. But in life, it was when I lost my father. I really wish that I could have him alive.

You played Iyalode in Aramotu, a movie produced recently by your husband. What is the story behind Aramotu?

Aramotu is a fictitious but myth-like tale set in a tradition-bound Yoruba land. It is the story of a wealthy female trader who dares to stretch the boundaries that ancient myths and traditions place on the life of the women of her time. At a time that women are not even supposed to think of their condition, no matter how unpalatable, Aramotu dares to dream of and work towards a future where a woman's voice counts and her labours are rewarded.

How does it feel to win the best actress award in the UK?

I still remember vividly how I felt when I was called up the stage in the presence of the cheering crowd as the best actress of the year in the Yoruba speaking category. I felt my dreams coming through. I got to know that all efforts put into every job I do have not been wasted.

We learnt your husband has two sons from his first marriage. How come this did not discourage you from marrying him?

It is no news. Yes, he got two sons from his first marriage. But you know what, love conquers all.

How is your relationship with the boys?

My relationship with the boys is very cordial; we are more like friends and I treat them like my own children