I face challenges and embarrasment because of my body-size - Actress Adaora Ukoh

 

Plus-sized actress, Adaora Ukoh, in an interview with PUNCH opened up on her journey to Nollywood, the challenges bedeviling the industry, why she didn't get married and coping with her size.

 

Excerpts:

On her foray into acting

I clinched my debut role as a teenager in 1998 in the movie, Karashika. I walked up to an actress that lived on my street and told her about my desire to act. I auditioned, got a role and kicked off my acting career. But I took a break when I went to the university. I made my comeback in 2007 with the movie, Black Bra. Although I studied law, acting is my first love. I am about to enrol for training in scriptwriting and producing.

Her challenges

When I started acting, there were very few challenges. We were naive, but very passionate about acting. If we (actors) did not have transport fare to go for auditions, we trekked. I would say it was a bit easier then. We looked out for each other. The industry is experiencing some challenges at the moment but things can only get better because we look forward to a better Nollywood.

On being plus-sized

Paying attention to naysayers could affect you negatively especially if you decide to dwell on whatever it is they have to say. We are created differently and the most important thing is to be the person that you are destined to be. I have always been a plus size, but the camera has a way of adding about two inches to your size. It is sometimes a challenge for me on the job because I do not get the roles I desire so, I work on my weight. Despite the challenges and embarrassment I am faced with, I no longer care. The most successful women I know are plus-sized. Now, when people complain about my weight, I always wonder why they sound like broken records. Monique for instance is a brand because of her size, so I celebrate my body.

Marriage

There was no secret marriage. It was something that was supposed to happen, but never did. Rumour-mongers decided to spread a false story. Also, I did not snatch anybody's husband; I am too hot for that. I can find my own husband, I do not need to snatch anybody's husband. It is something that will happen sooner than anyone expects and whenever it happens, it will only be known to a few persons.