$1m Is Enough to Act Nude – Seun Akindele

New promising Nollywood actor emerged in a movie award, Seun Akindele. He's the Most Promising Actor award winner at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards held in Houston Texas, US last October. The LASU graduate actor talks to PUNCH about his award and career as an actor.

 

Who is Seun Akindele?

I am an actor from Ekiti State and a graduate of History and International Relations, from Lagos State University. I am the last child in a family of nine children.

 

What was growing up like?

Growing up was fine and lovely. I did my primary school in Lagos and my secondary school in Jos. I grew up in Jos, with my mum and siblings.

 

You won the award for the Most Promising Actor at the GIAMA last year, how did you feel?

The movie, On Bended Knees, produced by Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha and Emem Isong, won me that award. I wasn’t expecting it. When I got the script, I was hell-bent on doing something extraordinary. I gave it my all, and if an award came out from it, I’m proud of it. That was my first international award.

 

What inspired you to go into movies?

I discovered I had the passion for acting sometime in 2001, but I didn’t go straight into acting. I went into modelling. I just finished from secondary school then. In 2005, the audition for Amstel Malta Box Office came up and I went for it.  I have been an actor ever since.

 

The journey has been challenging, interesting, and fun all the way, and I’ve got my feet down.

 

How flamboyant are you?

Everyone is entitled to his opinion. This is the entertainment industry. It’s showbiz, so you really have to show what you’ve got. I wouldn’t blame those who are flamboyant and extravagant. I am just okay the way I am.

 

How did you overcome initial challenges in the industry?

I told myself I could be better than whatever challenges life threw at me, and I just tried to be a better person. And it worked for me.

 

What challenges are you facing currently?

I still face the regular challenges, when no one will admit that he or she has the money to produce a movie. But somehow the money still comes out and movies are also produced.

 

What has kept you going?

God has been top on the list of my motivations.  My passion for the job is another motivating factor. I love my job, I love acting. And my family of course, they have been very wonderful. They are a hundred per cent behind me.

 

Do you miss not working with your History and International Relations degree?

Not really.  I know that the degree could still come in handy someday. I may use it when I am much older.

 

What would you be doing if you weren’t acting?

If I wasn’t acting, I would be a pilot.

 

How do you cope with competition?

I do not see myself competing with anyone. I am Seun Akindele, and there is no one else. I am not there for competition.

 

How would you rate Nollywood?

Nollywood is number three in the world, and I hope we maintain that. I look forward to when we will be number one someday.

 

Who are your role models?

Locally, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs are veterans that I would like to emulate. I like the kind of control they have over their career and family. Internationally, all Hollywood actors would be my role models.

 

Where will Seun be ten years from now?

I will be an internationally-acclaimed actor. I see myself doing movies in Istanbul, New York, Los Angeles, Somalia and other places. That’s my dream.

 

How do you handle female fans?

I know where to draw the line as an actor and a celebrity so that I do not get carried away. There are lots of women out there but I have a line that I don’t cross.

 

What are your likes and dislikes?

I do not like to be cheated or taken for granted. I do not like when someone doesn’t appreciate his fellow human being. Everyone was created equally. No one should use his position or appointment to oppress other people. I like it when you respect people’s views and opinions.

 

Can you recall the happiest moment of your life?

That would be October last year when I won the GIAMA for Best Promising Actor, internationally, in Houston, Texas.

 

Are you dating anyone?

I am in a relationship. But I can’t talk about her now.

 

What’s your typical day like?

My typical day is a location day. I am mostly on set.

 

How much will make you act nude?

One million dollars.

 

How do you unwind?

I go to the cinema to watch movies. I watch my movies too. I am my own critic and I always score myself. Each time I see something I did not do well, I would wish I did it well and I would learn from my mistakes.

 

What is your preferred style of dressing?

I am a very casual dresser. I only dress formally when I have an event to attend.

 

What would you not be caught wearing?

I would have said an Agbada, but I would probably wear that for my engagement and traditional wedding. But as an actor, I can wear anything.

 

What advice would you give your fans?

Stick to God, believe in yourself, find your place in life, know what you want to do, and pursue it doggedly with the help of God, and hard work.