How to make your relationship survive —Meg Otanwa

Meg Otanwa is a Benue State-born actress. She is a combination of beauty and brains, with a B.A in English, a Masters degree and an MBA Training. She spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE on why she gave up a banking job in Tunis, Tunisia, for an acting career in Nigeria and her style, among other things. Excerpts:

Educational background
I have a degree in English Language from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Time University, Tunis, Tunisia. I also went to Business School for MBA training at the University of Jean Moulin, Lyon, France.

Growing upGrowing up was a lot of fun for me. I am from a very large family, so there was never a dull moment amongst my siblings. I was very reserved and would lay back and watch everyone else play. That was fun for me.

How I developed the passion for theatre I’ve always had a passion for acting. As a child, I was often a part of the Easter and Christmas church drama and I loved every minute of it.

And also, back in the university, a final year drama student cast me to play Ihuoma in Elechi Amadi’s ‘Concubine’ and it was a memorable experience for me. In fact, that experience exposed me to the world of acting and I knew it was something I would absolutely love to do.

Foray into moviesUpon my return to Nigeria, I had to relocate to Lagos from Abuja because acting was not so vibrant in Abuja at the time. I came to Lagos and started attending auditions. At my third audition, I got a principal role in a series to be a part of the family that the story was tailored around. The series was called ‘Coffee Shop' and that was my very first acting job in the industry.

The movie that brought me into limelightThat would be the Kenneth Gyang directed sitcom entitled: ‘How I Made My First Million.' It was really a wonderful experience for me.

Why I dropped my certificates for a shot at the screenNo knowledge acquired is ever a waste. I love to learn new things and broaden my horizon at every given opportunity. I believe that to be a great actor, I need to have a very broad spectrum of knowledge and experiences to pull from when the need arises because I am the sum total of everything I’ve ever heard, seen, been told, eaten and so on. Having a good knowledge of the world around me can only help me be a better actor because actors are some of the most talented people on earth. I have not abandoned my degrees in anyway, I apply my knowledge to my everyday life and business dealings. I just rolled out a Premium IT Services Company called Prodeus Technology, we are currently partners with most OEMs including Microsoft. So who says an actor can’t be an entrepreneur?

Why I left the African Development Bank, Tunisia, for actingYes, it was a really good paying job anyone would love to have, but I would say acting is just my passion.

My experience as a part of the Nigerian movie industryI must say I am glad to be a part of the industry today. The industry is fast changing and things are really looking up. Today, we have Nigerian content shown in most film festivals around the World. Udoka Oyeka’s film, ‘Living Funeral’ just got screened at the Cannes Film Festival. We have a handful of our film makers travelling to showcase their work at the just-concluded Nollywood week in Paris, France. And there are so many breakthroughs in the industry for both actors and film makers in general. 

What prompted my move back to NigeriaLike they say, there is no place like home. At that point in my life, I was passionate about doing other things which I could only achieve by moving back home. There is a sense of fulfillment that comes with liking and being passionate about what you do. I wanted to be home, close to my family and get the opportunity to be a part of the evolving Nigerian movie making industry amongst other things.

Emem Isong’s ‘I will take my Chances' experienceIt was a wonderful experience I must say. It was my first time working with Desmond Elliot and I didn’t know what to expect, but the entire cast and crew were so good and accommodating. Ini Edo was equally very helpful and supportive on set.

The Gidi Culture experienceGidi Culture was a very exciting experience for me. I was glad to be a part of such a project basically because this was a group of young people who came together to make such an outstanding production. They were very supportive and cared a great deal about the well being of their actors. It was my first time working with people who would come pick me from home and drop me back after shoot. They cared. The director, Tunji Anjorin paid attention to detail and was very good at his job. 

Coping with competitions in the industryHave you ever heard of the saying that there is no competition in destiny?  Absolutely none. I do my part which is to get out there and do my best at auditions and reads when invited. The rest, I leave to God. I believe that if I am meant to play a role, I will get it.

How I handle sexual harassment on the jobWith the way the industry is evolving, it is fair game. When there is a movie to be shot, they call for an audition and the actor or actress most suitable for the roles gets cast. So, I personally have never been harassed sexually or asked for sexual pleasures in exchange for a role.

Challenges faced at the initial stage of my careerThere were quite a few. Having to wake up very early to attend auditions where you get all sorts of treatments just to be auditioned was always very difficult to bear. But as the great American poet, Maya Angelou, God rest her soul, said: “Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.”  Stooping to conquer as we would say.

What kept me goingIt was the passion.

Did I think that my certificates would pave more way in the movie industryWhat paved the way for me in the industry are my talent, resilience and hard work. Dedication, hard work and humility take you far in life generally.

Memorable moment in my careerThat would be an audition I attended a while back at Nemsia Studios for their TV series called “B4 30”. As an actor, you constantly long for the moment when you are 100 per cent your character and you take that character to a particular place with your emotions. That happened to me for the first time after a one on one talk with the director Bodunrin BB Sasore who happens to be a fantastic director. It was a very memorable and chilling moment for me.

Thrills about being an actressThe ability to embody a character. It is a very thrilling experience and a beautiful thing.

How I came about speaking many languages fluently.I speak English, French, Hausa, Idoma, Spanish, Yoruba and a couple of others because I love languages a lot. Maybe I got that from my father who happens to be a polyglot. My father speaks quite a number of languages and everyone in my family speaks at least three languages. I love languages and I am not through with learning more languages.

How fame has changed meI am still very much myself. I still have my old friends from way back who, with my family, keep me grounded. I would not trade that for anything in the world.

How I cope with male admirersThere are things that I can control and other things that are out of my control. There would always be male admirers, I just try to be very cordial towards them.

Role restrictionAs an actor, I’m excited to play different roles. The further apart the role is from my personality, the more challenging it is. So, I love the challenges that come with it.

Opinion on actresses and provocative dressingDressing or fashion is an expression of oneself, you can’t attribute provocative dressing to only actresses. 

Opinion on acting nudeAn actor should be able to do whatever it takes to tell a story beautifully. That said, we are Africans and I doubt that the African audience is ready to see nudity in their own content.

Opinion on toningDo whatever makes you happy. If you think toning will help you look better and consequentially feel better then do it. Just don’t do it in total ignorance of the long term effect on your skin. In most cases, the immediate benefits are not worth the long term damage to the skin.

Pains and gains of being a celebrityIt is difficult not being able to go to some places, however, it is rewarding when I receive positive feedbacks from friends and fans.

If I could star in the remake of a classic movieThat would be Titanic. I really love the movie.

Favourite Nigerian and international actorSam Dede and Russell Crowe

Beauty regimenGet good rest when you can and drink a lot of water. Never sleep with make-up on.

Fashion senseClassic, preppy and bombshell.

Favourite accessoryI really love shoes.

Favourite colourI am a fan of colour white. I love the way it glows.

What I can't do without at any momentI can't do without my phone. I love having it around me all the time.

Favourite holiday spotVenice. I love the serenity. 

Next step I am taking nowI am really excited about a few projects that I have coming out soon. One of which is OCT  by Kunle Afolayan. I look forward to its release, as I played a very challenging role in it. I can’t wait to see the outcome of the film because Kunle Afolayan drives a hard bargain and I bared my soul in that movie. Another huge project I happen to be a part of is B4 30, a TV Series directed by Bodunrin Sasore of Nemsia Studios. It is a story that revolves around the lives of four ladies. I played the role of one of the ladies alongside Damilola Adegbite, Beverly Naya and Anee Icha. Audience should also watch out for a few other movies that I feature in .

How I relaxI love watching movies and going to the Spa.

Philosophy of lifeDon’t judge people by their covers, most of their books are still being written.

My ideal manRelationships are healthiest when kept out of the limelight. But my ideal man is the man who fears God above all things and absolutely loves and cares for me.