I Refused Movie Role 'Cos I Was Told To Take Off My Dress---Ijeoma Diana Neife

Fast rising Nollywood actress, Ijeoma Diana Neife, is gradually becoming a known name to those who are familiar with the Nigerian movie industry and being a disciplinarian, the actress is gradually gaining thumps up from various producers whom she has worked with.

The actress who has featured in movies like, Royal Mission, Throne of Obstacles, Run Away Prince, Ogadimma, Saint Ossia, Commander Osufia, Igene, Deadly Escape and others, disclosed to Nollywoodgists.com that in her quest for fame, she still believes there should be some sanity in whatever an actress does.

She expressed that though she encountered some obstacles while delving into the industry despite being a graduate of Chemical Engineering, she has been approached by several producers and directors in demand for her body in exchange for movie roles, but she has been able to scale through without them succeeding in their plans.

Read excerpts below;

Can we get to know how acting started for you?

My name is Ijeoma Diana Neife. Well it has always been what I wanted for myelf, because I always represented my school at the NTA Enugu during stage plays and all that during my primary and secondary school but my daddy always wanted me to study chemical engineering so when I graduated I joined Actors Guild of Nigeria to pursue my dreams. I Joined Actors Guild of Nigeria in 2013, when I was 23 years old.

How were you able to convince your parents about your decision for acting knowing how much money and time you have spent in science studies?

I will say it's not easy but my parents are very understanding and believe in people following their dreams. My father just said if you must be an actor, you will first of all obtain a degree as an engineering than you can go ahead with whatever that makes you happy so that's it.

You are successful, why are you still single and who is the lucky man caring for you?

(Laughs), I prefer to keep it private.

You once refused a cinema movie role because you were asked to act nude, how true is that?

Wow, how did you get to hear that? (Laughs), it's so true dear, I won't act nude even for a million dollar.

But it would have given you more exposure?

Yes I know.

It is said that those nude roles are not real but make belief so it means that you wouldn't have been completely naked now?

But that kind of exposure is not what I want for myself. To an extent it's real. You must not act such roles to get the fame you know.

Since you rejected such role, how have you been able to manage your way through the sex demand from producers/directors?

Yes I have. But I believe in myself and in God I will always overcome.

Do you think that acting is getting you to that stage where you want?

Yes it is for now. I really can't complain. I want to do other stuffs too like presenting and opening a makeup studio too. Acting is just a starting point.

What if your man asks you to stop acting for other jobs, will you?

No I won't because this is truly what I want for myself and he should support me and not stop me.

What if he insist, will you end the relationship?

No I won't, there is always a possible way out.

Do you think actresses intimidate their guys which is why there is more broken homes among Nigerian celebs?

No I don't think so dear. Most broken homes might just be lack of trust and understanding.

But why is it common among celebs in the country, which are mirror to the society?

(Smiles) it happens to other families too don't forget.

What can you say about the Nigerian movie industry in terms of scripting?

Well they're growing each day really I know it will get better.

Do you think at this international stage the industry has gotten to, there is need to continue having movies in part1, 2, and 3?

Yes, there is because there's always a room for improvement so the best is yet to come.

What has been your most embarrassing moment either in the industry or school?

When I was in school I contested for SUG vice president and at the end of the election I came second and that to me it's very embarrassing because so many people believed in me even with d fact that I came out to contest 2 weeks to the election. I think that's the only embarrassing moment of my life.

How did you feel at your first kiss?

I was Nervous, (laughs)