I don’t do sex scenes –Benita Onyiuke

By Christian Agadibe 

Nollywood star actress, Benita Onyiuke expressed gratitude to her teeming fans who proud of her acting prowess in many movie include Love in full bloom, My kind of girl, True bosses, Tender hedges among others. The effortlessly beautiful actress revealed she got married to her boyfriend of school days. Despite that, motherhood has not changed her childhood dream of acting. In an Exclusive Interview with the  Entertainer, the Anambra born diva talked about her sojourn into stardom and her parents’ support. 

Excerpt:  

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on movie projects for my YouTube channel as well as screenwriting and producing some very interesting stories for my fans all over the world. My channel, Benita OnyiukeTV, has most of the interesting, educative and entertaining Nollywood movies you will come across on YouTube. 

What inspired you to pursue acting as a career in the first place?

Growing up I had always wanted to be an actress. I always dreamt of being a movie star. I started ding drama right from from nursery school until I got to primary school. When I became a teenager, I knew it was time to pursue the career professionally. My parents knew quite early that it was my dream to be a reputable actress, and when I became a teenager, they registered me with the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

How do you stay motivated and continue to be innovative in your work?

I grew up in a home where my parents were good role models. My father was a man who strived to become the best and nothing makes me more motivated than knowing that he didn’t give up, no matter what life threw at him. So, this helps me stay wanting for more. Additionally, my kids are also my inspiration and source of motivation. The fact that I want them to grow up knowing that their mother can do it, they also can do it and be great people too. As for being innovative, the industry has grown from what we used to know it to be; these days everyone is bringing on their ‘A’ game, doing the most to put out a brilliant production. Also, as a filmmaker, you have to also think outside the box, come prepared, knowing that there is no room for mediocrity.

Can you describe your creative process and how you prepare for a role?

I always practice, I have never been in a place where I think, “Oh, I’m such a good actress I no longer need practicing.” For each script I get, I read and start performing the character in my room to myself. Making sure that my previous work cannot be better than the present one.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

I’m always proud of every step I take, every award or nomination, every achievement in this career really counts for me. And I’m proud that my fans see me as a very talented actress and film maker.

Can you describe a person or experience from your childhood that had a significant impact on shaping who you are today?

My parents primarily – the resilience of my father, my mother’s courage and audacious attitude. There is no room my mother would enter without her shoulders held high. Not in arrogance but in the fact that she is confident in herself. Moreover, with my father nothing is impossible. Even in the midst of trials, he was always very positive and certain of success.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about love and relationships?

Person wey love you, no go stress you (Laughs).  Be a kind person and make sure you are with a kind partner, two can only work together when they agree. Treat your partner how you want to be treated. There are no perfect two in any relationship, but there can be two people intentionally working together to be better for themselves.

Can you discuss a particularly uncomfortable sex scene you’ve had to film, and how you prepared for it?

I don’t film uncomfortable sex scenes as I have not come across a scene like that. Moreover, sex scenes are not “real sex scenes” in the movie industry. Everyone is with their cloths on and maybe just covered under a duvet (lmao) there is nothing to be uncomfortable about a make believe!  It’s not real!

Have you ever had to deal with pressure or scrutiny from the public or the media regarding your sex life or relationships, and how do you handle it?

I have not had to deal with that.

What advice would you give to your younger self about sex and relationships, and what do you wish you had known sooner?

I married my boyfriend, I was in first year when we started dating. So I don’t think I have an advice for my younger self regarding this topic.

What do you think is the most important issue related to sex and relationships that needs to be addressed in the entertainment industry, and how do you think it could be improved?

Honestly, the Industry for me is to work and go home. I really don’t know a lot going on in people’s personal lives. Regarding the topic in general, every adult should know what is and what isn’t right for their person. It’s left for one to decide what to accept and what not to. I believe the industry is full of adults that can make decisions for themselves.