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I enjoy the challenge of playing someone who does the opposite of what I would do - Linda Ejiofor @LindaEjiofor

Pretty Linda Ejiofor, in this candid interview with The Nation, she speaks on her acting .modeling modelling, and career challenges.
 
 
You have come a long way as an actress; do you see yourself leaving the industry for a well-paying job?
I love to act and I enjoy my job. It is a gift to be able to do something you love and are passionate about. Most people never get that chance. Even though I did not originally set out to be an actress, fate made it happen. I honestly cannot imagine leaving this for any other sort of career.
Linda Ejiofor
Linda Ejiofor
Are you still into advertising and modeling?
I still work as model occasionally. I am however a full time actor and I have been one for years. I got cast as Bimpe in 2008 and I have been working professionally as an actor since then.
Being on Tinsel for so long has come to make people think you have been typecast. How does that make you feel?
I don’t know if that is my situation. I play a role regularly on Tinsel and it has been airing for several years. Luckily, I get to play different characters in the films I have been in. And so far, none of the characters I play in these films have been anything like my character on Tinsel.
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You have been described as one who is humble and talented. Do people take advantage of your humility?
Well, people react based on their prejudices. I think humility is a virtue of having, so irrespective of how anyone chooses to interpret it, I will not change who I am; especially the good bits.
How long do you intend to keep playing Bimpe in Tinsel?
Right now and at this exact moment, I enjoy playing Bimpe. We will cross that bridge when and if we get there.
Has it in anyway stood as a barrier for getting other challenging roles for you?
No it has not.
Linda Ejiofor
Linda Ejiofor
Being the girlfriend of a troubled musician in the movie 8 Bars and a Clef must have been tasking. What was the experience like?
It was exciting and challenging but in a great way. I had never played anything like my character in 8 Bars and a Clef. I had a fantastic time becoming her and I would not change anything about that process.
Unlike your everyday role, what prompted you to take the role?
The director did. I first met Chioma at the African International Film Festival. When she told me about this film and wanted me on board it, her passion was infectious and then of course when I read the script, I was sold.
 
What makes this movie different from others?
It is definitely the message. Dyslexia is not something that is regularly addressed in mainstream Nollywood. 8 Bars and a Clef helps turn the spotlight on this condition and shows us how a very determined young musician excels in spite of his challenges.
Having played the role of Bimpe for a very long time, how does your real self-correlate with the character?
Bimpe holds a very dear spot in my heart. This character was my introduction into the acting world. She is so different from Linda Ejiofor. I enjoy the challenge of playing someone who does the opposite of what I would do. As for her stupidity, well that is an integral part of the character; she puts her foot in her mouth a lot. Unless the writers decide to take her in a different direction, I’ll continue to play Bimpe as it is written.
Who are your mentors in the industry?
I look up to a lot of people in Nollywood, but if I had to list a handful of names, I’d say RMD, Joke Silva and Rita Dominic.
You appear shy yet your character in Tinsel requires you to be outspoken. How easy is it for you to transform into that character?
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Initially, it was very difficult, but now not so much. I’ve learned to separate Linda Ejiofor the person from whatever character I am playing. My feelings do not matter, only the character does. So if I am playing an outspoken character I would be doing her a disservice if I held back.
As a star, what would you say being a public figure has cost you?
My privacy, but then again, stardom has given me so much more. Being able to spend every day doing something I love is a privilege. I have a bigger voice now and the ability to influence hundreds, thousands and even millions of people. I am grateful for it all.
If you had the opportunity, what would you like to change about Nollywood?
Financing is a major challenge in Nollywood. Compared to Hollywood, we have to work with a shoestring budget. I think I would change that if I have the opportunity. If producers had more resources at their disposal, I’m certain it would help improve the current standard of movies coming out of the industry.

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