Encomium
Kiki Omeili is a medical doctor and an award-winning actress. The Anambra born actress, who has achieved a lot since she hit the movie screen in 2011, in an interview with ENCOMIUM WEEKLY, opened up on how she worked as a medical doctor for three years before delving into the movie industry, her style and sundry issues….
How would you rate your career in three years?
I’d say that it has done remarkably well. It has grown from strength to strength and that’s something I’m very pleased about.
How challenging has it been over the years?
I must confess, it hasn’t been easy. There are several challenges in the industry. First, there’s the challenge of breaking into the mainstream and seen as a serious actress. Then there’s the challenge of being on top of your game all the time, constantly honing your skills and redefining yourself. But they are all surmountable.
What has been the pains and the gains?
Some people see entertainers as uneducated and uncouth and assume that you’re that way because you’re an actress. People don’t believe that you’re entitled to your private life and at the beginning of your career, it’s not very financially rewarding. Topping the gains however, is the satisfaction you derive from doing what you absolutely love to do. Nothing rivals that.
How did your journey into the movie industry begin?
I’d always been involved in stage plays right from secondary school, so the interest in acting had always been there but I didn’t think I would do it professionally. When I was done with school and NYSC however, I decided that I wanted to pursue it actively and I did.
Which movie would you say brought you into limelight?
I’d say my first feature film, Married But Living Single. It won me my first award for the best actress in a supporting role at the 17th African Film Awards in London.
How would you narrate your first experience on set?
My first experience on set was quite interesting. It was on the set of a TV series Behind the Smile directed by Tunde Olaoye. I knew I’d do a good job, but I thought that the director would keep interrupting me to correct this or that.
So, after each scene, I looked at him, expecting to hear corrections but he’d say next scene. I later learnt that he was getting what he wanted. That boosted my confidence as an actor.
How would you describe your experience on the TV series, Lekki Wives?
The Lekki Wives experience has been phenomenal. Everything about it is awesome. The script is so well written and the characters so well defined. The director/producer, Blessing Egbe is so organised and detailed and my fellow actresses on the set are wonderful and talented people. Working on the Lekki Wives set is a lot of fun and it’s also a lot of hard work and the reception has been incredible!
What would you say has been your achievement in three years of acting?
I’d say being fulfilled as an actor and being recognised as an actor to reckon with.
What has kept you going in the movie industry?
The passion and love for the job. It’s that simple.
You are known to be a medical doctor, why the choice of acting?
Yes, I trained as a medical doctor but like I said, I’d always had a love and passion for the arts. So, I always thought I’d do entertainment on the side. But the artistic side of me wanted to be expressed so badly that I decided to do it professionally.
How long did you practice medicine before moving into the movie industry?
I practised fully for about three years. I did my housemanship and NYSC and worked for about a year before delving into the industry.
It is said there is much sexual harassment that comes with the job, how do you intend to cope with all the temptations?
It hasn’t been my experience in the industry and I think the reason is that there’s no room for mediocrity anymore. The industry is growing in leaps and bounds and it’s now about who can do the job and do it well. So, talent is the most important thing.
What is your most memorable moment during the course of your career?
I would say it was my name being announced as an award winner. It’s wonderful to be recognised and appreciated for what you do.
What thrills you about being an actress?
It’s the ability to take a character on paper and give it life, make it breathe, interpret the character’s feelings, actions, thoughts. Becoming someone else entirely is very exhilarating. I love playing characters that are so far removed from my real self because it’s fun to do and say things while acting that you would ordinarily never do or say.
Which actor or actress are you most comfortable with on a movie set and why?
Oh! There are so many of them, too numerous to mention. and the reason I’m comfortable with them is that they know their craft and they give you something to feed off.they make the experience real for you.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment, I’m on the set of a movie called Same Difference and almost immediately, I’m billed to do another movie.
What is your philosophy of life?
Always believe in yourself, believe in God and don’t let anybody tell you what you can or cannot do.
How do you relax?
I love listening to music, going to the cinema and I love to read fictional books.
What is your beauty routine like?
No matter how tired I am at the end of the day, I always remove my make up before I go to bed and unfailingly, I cleanse and moisturise.
-DOLAPO AMODENI
