Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, is popularly referred to as ‘Nollywood Cry Girl’ because of the proficiency and ease with which she sheds tears in her roles. Sylvanus who is the former Imo State Government Liaison Officer recently delved into music with a new album titled I’m Not Afraid.
Read excerpts from her latest interview with The Nation newspaper.
Having been off the movie scene for a while, how do you think people will react to the new you?
I have always been with the people and amongst the people. And I wouldn’t say I’ve been off the screen because I still do movies. But you can say that you haven’t been seeing me quite often. Right now, I am back full time, because that is my first love
What kept you busy while you were off the movie scene?
It’s been work, work, and work. For me, there is never a dull moment. I’m one who always wants to engage myself positively. I do not have time to show off or stories. I just work.
Tell us about working as a public servant to the people of your state
I grew up with working for the public because entertainment is for the public. For me, it wasn’t anything exextraordinaryIt was discharging my duties in a different form to the public and taking orders, putting in my best as I would every other thing I venture into.
Why haven’t you been functional in movies like in the past?
I never left the scene in the first place.
Like most of your colleagues are doing, do you harbour any plan to become producer too?
I am a producer already and I have produced some movies and will keep producing more. I have my own entertainment company.
Was being typecast o asne of the reasons you took a break?
I don’t understand this, because I got my break in the industry with my first major work.
There have been several reports on you being married. Is there any truth to those reports?
We need to ask the rumour mongers because I am as confused as you are. It’s all rumours from idle people. It’s all lies. For me, my private life is my personal affairs. So whatever decision I take tomorrow, it’s totally my responsibility. If it turns sour, I face it alone and if it turns sweet, I face it. It’s my life. I do what makes me happy. I’ve been married on the internet more than three times! They first got me married in 2008, then they got me married again in 2011 and then they got me married again in 2014/2015. I’m beginning to ask, why do they like to get me married? If I was already married in 2008 and in 2011, why again should I be getting married in 2015? That means they were all lies. It’s all rumours. Some people will report this stuff like they know you when they only see you on TV.
But there were reports that you got married to your colleague’s hubby?
Which colleague? Because the last time I checked I am not married to anybody’s husband.
It is believed that you got your political appointment because of your personal relationship with the governor. And you left because of his wife. How true is this?
The appointment is like employment. You are employed to work, not to sit and eat. You work to put food on your table and also acquire more knowledge. An appointment isn’t an achievement that one would sit back and beat his chest to say I have arrived. What could be so special with ‘come and work’ that people will make so much fuss about it? We should focus our energy on more productive things. My boss is my boss, nothing more and the wife is like a mother to me.
What is your reaction when you come across these stories?
I don’t pay attention to things that don’t add value to me, so I barely notice them.
What then is holding you back from taking the marital vows?
It will happen in due time, and when the time comes it won’t be a hidden affair; you will all be invited. When the right man comes calling and if I’m satisfied within my soul that this is the man I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. I’ve worked hard as a young lady that, right now, I don’t want just any man but a man that will be there for me. A lot is being said about me, and I know.
What would you say you achieved while serving as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State?
I would say more knowledge and a better understanding of how government works in Nigeria. It’s an experience I would advise everyone who can to try so that they can understand the system well and not allow themselves to always be pushed around by all these power hungry individuals roaming the street and feeding us with lies.
