7th April, 2011
Edo State-born actress, Doris Simon Adeniminokan speaks about her life, career and other issues
You have practically been missing in action, what is happening?
I have been working, but people have been saying I am not on TV, maybe the films I acted are not out yet. Although I have produced my third movie which is not out yet, I am planning the premere for this year.
But some see your absence as a decline in your career?
I disagree with them. Now, I see the industry not as a challenge but competition. Competition in the sense that some people might be doing junks, some good movies, while some are concentrating on doing things that are more better which is what I am after. I want to be unique in my own way.
What then can you say about when you appeared in many films?
I will say it was during my growing days and you know you learn more as you grow, so that was growing up days.
How has your husband, as a director and editor per excellence, impacted your career?
He has impacted my career in a strong and very positive way, by making me understand what technicality is all about and doing better movies that are unique, among others.
How do you cope financially since you no longer accept all the scripts that come your way?
It is not a do-or-die thing, rather, it is only natural I go into another thing to make money. For instance, I have an editing studio and then I am opening a salon very soon, so that is it.
What was your childhood ambition?
I loved entertainment right from when I was very young, that if I did not become an actress, I think I would probably have loved being a TV producer, presenter or newscaster.
What informed that then?
Seriously, I have forgotten their names now, but I had some role models who I used to watch on TV and I used to watch TV a lot, be it films and all that. So, I think I just love it right from then because I watched TV a lot and got beaten a number of times for that.
You have got the looks, brain and the rest, but you are not using them like some who are getting all the attention, why?
What I tell people really is that when it’s your time, it’s your time. So, maybe it’s not the time yet.
You maintain a low profile devoid of scandals, how did you plan it?
I did not plan it but I will say it’s because of the kind of home I come from. I am a quiet person, even my school mates did not believe I could be an actress, so it’s a natural thing.
What was the experience facing the camera for the first time?
It was scary and fun at the same time. When I got to know those I would be working with, I was afraid when the director did not shout at me when I missed my lines, but I ended up learning on that set in a pleasant way because my colleagues were all nice to me.
How do you handle men’s attention and how does your husband feel when he sees men locking around you?
Normally, na man dey jealous pass woman, but my husband understands, we have been friends for a long time before we got married, so we understand each other.
It is believed there are camps in the industry, where do you belong?
I belong to ’do the raw production camp…’ My husband… (Laughs)
How have you been able to keep off scandals?
It is the grace of God and the home I come from. I am always sacred of what dad would say because he does not hide his displeasure at bad behaviours, so I am always conscious of that because I cherish my name.
What part of your body do you cherish most?
The whole of it. I think my eyes and probably my hips.
What disposition does your husband have towards you taking up romantic roles?
My husband is a professional to the core, so when it comes to work, he believes you have to do it in a professional way.
Do you see the nudity in Ghanaian movies happening in Nigeria some day?
I think so because of the children of nowadays and I am scared of it.