My husband is a definition of true love - Nse Sule By Bolatito Adebayo If you call Nse Ikpe-Etim the new Nollywood sweetheart, you won’t be wrong. The multiple award winning actress who took a break in acting made a comeback with Reloaded which earned her a nomination at the African Movie Academy Awards. Her career soared right after Reloaded became a hit. The amazing and versatile Nse spoke with Sunday Sun on her rising career profile , her challenges and what it feels like being married to her first love. Excerpts: Mr. and Mrs is one of my favorite movies and the way you interpreted your role in it was awesome. How did you prepare for that role? A: I’m glad you liked it. Well, when I shot Mr and Mrs, I wasn’t married yet. So first, I had to get into the mind-set of a married woman, who loved her husband very much and wanted to keep her home and earn her dignity and self-worth back. Once that was done, internalizing the character was next, then learning my lines and showing up to work every day with a singular focus on doing my possible best. God did the rest. You can be described as a very deep actress. Once a co-actor was quoted as saying ‘he wept while watching you act’. What’s the secret? A: I’m a methodical actor and what this means for those of us who use this technique is that we imbibe our roles completely. We reach a point where we feel every emotion . It’s no longer a case of playing a role but becoming that role. Some people once told me they felt like I was in a trance while they watched me act a particularly difficult scene. If you watched a movie where I played the role of a victim of a traumatic event and you feel like “this is happening to Nse”, then my job is done. Was your first break in the movie industry tough to land or you had it all smooth and sailing? A: Well that depends on if you mean my first or second coming (laughs). My first sojourn into acting went as all others go. I didn’t however stay long enough in Nollywood to be able to tell impressive stories of how I conquered challenges. When I returned, things went a lot easier. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but I’m thankful to God. I’ve been blessed. What was your childhood like? A: Growing up was wonderful, I had books and pets to occupy my mind and time. I come from a close-knit family. We were raised in love, so that has kept everyone grounded. Congratulations on your marriage. What does it feel like getting married to your first love? A: Thank you. It’s the best and most rewarding feeling I’ve ever felt. It feels like I’ve come full circle. I am thankful. It’s the dream of many women that never came to reality but yours did . Would you say its sheer luck or you were just meant to be? A: How many times have I mentioned God so far? Pardon me but I’ll also have to give Him credit for this. We are together because God has willed it to be so. I don’t think it’s due to sheer luck. A little bit maybe, but definitely a lot of God. What’s your definition of true love? A: Being able to be yourself when you’re with someone, without the fear of judgement. It is the comfort that comes from knowing that someone out there is thinking of you and cares deeply for you. It’s my husband. What do you miss most about your spinsterhood? A: Absolutely nothing, believe it or not but when I compare the two, there is nothing to miss. Being married means I no longer have to deal with life’s challenges on my own and I always have someone to share my happy moments with. How have you been able to cope with being a wife and your career ? A: I take it one day at a time. I know where my priorities lie and I make sure that I stay true to them. Do you have any regrets in life? A: Regrets are a waste of time. Everything that has happened to me so far has led me to this point. Good, bad, difficult or pleasant. I would not be Nse if my past were to miraculously get altered. So no, I have no regrets. Describe your personal style? A: What I wear depends on the occasion and my role at the event. Otherwise, my style is somewhere between a tomboy and a Disney princess. If you could be any designer’s muse, whose would it be and why? A: I love Elie Saab. His dresses are so effortlessly chic. I also like to wear Wanger Ayu’s clothes. She gets my personal style every time. What are your success secrets? A: I have three of them. I must put God first, without his grace, life is very difficult. Then I have to nurture my talent and get the necessary training I need to excel in my field and then work harder than everyone else. If you do these three things, then success is yours for the taking. What advice do you have for people who look up to you? A: I didn’t set out to be anyone’s role model so it is very pleasant to hear that people look up to me. I’d say that there is no substitute for hard work and a good name is indeed better than riches. Please stay true to yourself and the family that raised you. I know there are a lot of distractions for young people these days, but stay focused on the important things and it will be worth it. Source
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:13:50 +0000