Interviews | 4 June 2008 13:00 CET

THE MOST FOOLISH THING I’VE EVER DONE FOR LOVE...— FUNKE AKINDELE

Funke Akindele has moved on. She is no longer the little girl that played the role of a teenager in I Need To Know. She has moved on to big league of actresses that now cruise around town in jeep. The UNILAG Law graduate spoke with SAMUEL OLATUNJI on acting and love.

Why did you pack out of Akoka side?

I just wanted a change of environment. I have one or two friends where I stay; I think the place is cool.

So, you've left your parents.

No, we all moved out together.

Obviously, things are looking up, the last time we met, you were using cars for small boys like us, now you are riding a Honda Jeep.

A point of correction, that car you saw is not a small car. It is worth more than one million naira. Well, it is just an improvement; I just wanted something bigger.

It seems you are the hottest actress in the Yoruba genre of the industry. What's the magic?

Like I've always said, it is all about hard work and prayer. Whatever you do just do it well because you never can tell which job might land you at the top. So, I give it to God and hard work.

I know a couple of actresses who are working hard but not getting as much attention as you are?

Like I said earlier on, prayers also matter. Put anything you do before God and if it is His will, you will surely be celebrated there. The industry is large for any good actress to be noticed. I thank God I'm being appreciated.

The pay must surely be good.

Thank God, I'm not complaining.

People say you've been producing so many movies these days.

I've not been producing lot of movies. The only movie I have now is Apadi and it's yet to be released. That is the only movie I've ever produced this year, though, I've acted in quite a lot of movies.

Tell me about the movie, Apadi.

It's a traditional movie, it's got some lesson in it and it is technically superb. It had a large cast and was shot in traditional setting of Abeokuta and Ilaro.

Who is financing your movie?

I financed Ojo Ketala myself, but my marketer, Olasco Film financed the others. He brings the fund and I produced.

You must be enjoying acting.

Yes, definitely. Acting is my first love, I didn't get into acting because I wanted money, I just wanted to exhibit my talent. Acting has always been my first love.

But you never had the intention of becoming a full blown actress when you started acting in 'I need to know'.

Yes, I just wanted to exhibit the talent in me. I wasn't after making money or becoming a celebrity.

What is still there in acting world that you want to achieve?

I still have a lot to learn and achieve. When I look at the likes of Bimbo Akintola, I shiver and tell myself that I am not there yet. That is a very deep actress, I give that to her. And there is Kate Henshaw, I saw her in Show Me Heaven. That was her best. I was thrilled. I keep telling myself that I still have a long way to go.

Is winning City People best actress not coming too early?

No, I don't think so because I've worked hard for it. Most of my friends and colleagues sent me texts saying I deserved it. Even people around me feel I deserved it. They gave it to me because they believed I deserved it.

What is next for you after best actress award?

I don't know, only God can tell. I'll just keep working harder.

Will you ever produce an English movie?

Why not? When the time comes, I will. It is just that I am sticking to the production of Yoruba movies because I understand the market.

I learnt most movies don't sell more than 100 000 copies. How true?

I don't think so. Ekuro, my movie sold more than that. And Taiwo-Taiwo sold more than that. I believe if you have something good in the market it will keep selling. Maybe your first batch sells within that region but later it will pick up if it is a good movie. When my marketer released Ekuro the movie sold 200 000 copies.

What point were you trying to prove in Risikat?

I was called upon to act and I did my best. The character was a street girl and always fighting, that was why I had gloves on.

What is sticker of police doing on your windscreen?

I have friends in the police.

What is the big deal about your movie, Taiwo-Taiwo?

Go and watch it. It is a good movie, most people that saw the script doubted if I could achieve most of the things in the movie but it turned out well. It is a good movie.

The chemistry between you and Femi Adebayo in the movie must have been strong. It led to rumour that you guys took it beyond location.

All we did in the movie was act, nothing more than that. For instance I acted with Odunlade Adekola in new movies coming out and they were like five movies. Tomorrow people would start saying I am dating the guy now. I also did some couple of jobs with Yomi Lanso, people would soon start saying it is him I am dating. I think I am doing my job well.

Are you saying nothing happened beyond the scene?

Absolutely nothing, I have a serious relationship, I love my fiancé, and he's a wonderful man. I wouldn't do anything like that.

Let's know the guy so that the press would stop guessing.

His name is Lanre. That is all I would say.

I'm happy you are now in love. Two years ago there was talk of love but now you are blushing.

Thank you.

What makes you think he's real?

We've been through a lot together, he is very humble and he takes good care of me. He's a very good person. He is number one.

Is he a police man?

No, I told you I just have friends that are in the police force.

What does he do?

He is a business man.

Why a business man, why not an actor or a journalist?

This is what God wants for me.

What are those things a lady should look for in an ideal man?

First of all, one should start from friendship, that is when you will know whether the guy is for real. We started as friends.

So, we should be seeing you walk down the altar soon?

Man proposes, everything depend on God.

What is the assurance that your marriage would last considering the fact that most celebrities marriages crash so soon?

As long as you know what you are doing. For me when you are married, you are married to your husband. You should keep your home away from your job. You shouldn't mix the two. And you must have time for your man.

Did you give that advice to Fathia Balogun?

I don't want to talk about that. She has her life and I have mine.

I asked you that question because there was a time people said you accommodated her in your home?

That is a big lie. She is my colleague, and one of those that helped me when I was starting out. She is a good person.

Will your man ever stop you from acting?

No, he loves my job. But we are always fighting over, 'where are you now?' won't you come again and so on.

Will you get pregnant before marriage?

It would be as God wants it.

So, there are no qualms about you getting pregnant before marriage.

If God says I will, no problem. I leave everything to God.

I used to know you as a church person. I'm sure you still attend MFM.

Yes, I still attend Mountain of Fire and Miracles. And please Sam, leave my life for God.

What does love means to you?

Love could be foolish. And it's great if you have a happy one.

What are those foolish things you've done for love?

Knowing that my boyfriend is lying, yet agreed with him. Though I knew he was lying I still believed him just for the sake of peace. That could be foolish but for the sake of peace I believed him.

What are those risks you've taken for love?

Driving very late to go and meet him somewhere very far. You know as late as 11pm.

What are those things you can't do for love?

I can't kill for love, but I can die for love. I can also cry for love.

Can you abort for love?

Are you okay Samuel? (General laughter)

Have you been emotionally aroused on location before?

I am on location to do my job and get paid. Boy, I can't allow that to happen.

I learned some touching could be intimate.

Are you on location for sexual activities?

That is absolute rubbish. I am only doing a job.

So, there is no hang over?

God forbid bad thing.

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