Encomium
Sultry actress Doris Simeon has just returned from South Africa after a film production. In this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the beautiful actress said, among other things, that she only rested after her South Africa production before any other film production.
Moreover, she has other business interests to manage and much more.
You have been in Nollywood for a decade, what has kept you till date?
Wow! In a long time, this is actually one of the first journalists to ask me that question. That means you have done research on me, so I guess I have to be of best behaviour (laughs). To your question, for one to be in a career for a decade isn’t a joke, and I must tell you it’s the same in terms of acting and Nollywood as a whole.
It has been encouraging, challenging, educating and most of all, fulfilling. I’m grateful to God I chose this path but what has kept me till date is God and the support of Nollywood and TV series lovers, that is people who watch your movies or soaps and encourage you to do more.
How did your journey into movie industry begin?
Like I have said over and over again, I began acting after a soft push from a friend in my church in Maryland, Lagos. I was young and was only out of school when I got the push by a friend, who said, Doris, with the way you act in church and all these your presentations, I think you would make a good actress.
I didn’t really believe him even though I had always wanted to be a newscaster or TV presenter but after much persuasion, I decided to try out my luck at Wale Adenuga Productions, Papa Ajasco and Company. I missed my audition twice and the third time, I was lucky to be auditioned and interestingly, I got the role.
How would you narrate your first experience on set?
My first experience on set was like every other new comer or beginner on set. I saw big stars, known names and I wondered if I could really do what they required of me but the only difference was that I was given the push by the words of the director, late Yomi Ogunmola and I was not only able to give my best but also got noticed as a budding talent.
Which film would you say shot you to limelight?
My role in Papa Ajasco introduced me to several Nollywood directors, actors and actresses who worked on that set. But my role in Oloju Ede which also featured fuji star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma made me shine like a bright light. I guess the script was written just for my skin complexion and looks and my ability to interpret it well got applause from several quarters. However, Oloju Ede wasn’t my first movie.
What has been your achievement in the last five years of acting?
Achievement! I would say in the last five years, my status as an actress was further stamped with several notable awards that include AMAA as well as production of my own films. The awards, to me, mean I have done something worthy of praise and was awarded for my efforts, that is more of an achievement as an actress. My ability to also produce and still act in my own movies is achievement. And all these happened in the last five years.
What is the present state of your career?
You should tell me since you guys are the watchdogs. For me, my career is in great shape and I’m taking it one step at a time.
Why did you take a break from acting?
I didn’t actually take a break from acting. After my last production in South Africa, which lasted three months, I came back and decided to rest before embarking on other productions.
Is there any business or activity you are doing that is drawing your attention away from acting?
No! None. I love acting and thank God it’s not a jealous career, other things I do go well with my career as an actress.
It is said that there is sexual harassment that comes with acting, how do you cope with that?
My sister, there is sexual harassment in the banking world, in the media, in the finance sector, petroleum sector, government institutions and several other places. I wonder why Nollywood or the movie industry has been labeled with sexual harassment.
You can’t be harassed if you don’t want it. You are addressed just the way you are dressed. If you choose to date a producer, it’s your choice. If you choose to sleep around with producers or actors, it’s your choice because you can outrightly reject any offer that won’t help you. If someone harasses you, then complain or put the name out there. Chikena!
People said the break up with your husband was your fault, what can you say to that?
You surprise me with this question because it’s a thing of the past. It was in the past and that remains in the past. On my birthday, I shared new pictures and maintained, this is a brand new Doris. Thus, old things have passed away giving room for new tidings. Thank you!
So, what has been the challenges so far?
I’m glad we all know that for every career or job comes challenges. I wonder why the question about challenges keeps popping up in almost all interviews. Any way, challenges come in different forms.
There is the challenge of keeping up your game at all times, there is the challenge of working in conditions that aren’t totally conducive but you can’t complain because in actual fact, the country is responsible for that. So, some of the challenges can be likened to the same challenges other people in the media face. Nothing extraordinary if you ask me.
Do you still have plans of getting married some day?
Never say never! You never can tell what the future holds!
Anybody in your life now? If any, can you tell us about him?
I’m married to God, my career and businesses.
Who is Doris Simeon?
Doris Simeon is a woman trying to leave her imprint on the sand of time through her job and humanitarian activities.
-NIKE POPOOLA
