I Took A Nude Role Because The Pay Was Right – Actor Benson Okonkwo.

Enugu-based, fast-rising Nollywood actor Benson
Okonkwo is probably the most talked about in the
industry because of his daring roles, which many
people, according to him, “continue to wrongly
associate with his real life personality.”
Here's what Ben said in an interview with
Blueprintng.com
Talking about the movie that brought you
out, there is a particular movie about gays
which has gotten you more accusations and
criticisms than accolades. Could you talk
about it?
I have promised myself that I will no longer talk about
the movie. It’s really funny that Nigeria is a country
where people attribute an actor’s role to his real life
character.
If I’m given a role to play and I played it excellently,
does that make me that character in reality? Yet, it is
the same Nigerians who will be first to point fingers at
those actors that do not act their movie roles well.
It’s quite funny that because I played a gay role then
I’m automatically gay. So if I played the role of a police
officer, does that makes me one? I just have to thank
my fans who repose so much confidence in me, that’s
all.
Are you saying that you are not truly
homosexual like a whole lot of people
believe?
My brother, what else do you want me to tell you.
Please, I’m very busy.
Most of your fans have been asking why
you had to star in such a movie, yet you
keep denying that you are not gay.
I just told you I was doing my job. Period! Why should I
call myself an actor if I can’t play a movie role
perfectly? Tell me!
And there is another issue here: I’ve noticed that so
many people, because of their own mischevious and
dirty minds, would fail to look past the sexual scenes
in a movie when there are way too many morals to
learn. Like most movies, that movie you are talking
about was used to pass a message across to the
public.
But if some people refuse to grab those messages and
choose to focus on those things that satisfy their
lustful and mischievous minds, then it’s no one’s fault.
I also heard there is a new movie you just
did in which you acted totally nude in a
scene. Tell us about it.
The name of the movie is “James Town.” It was
directed by an A-list Nollywood director and
scriptwriter, Ifeanyi Onyearbor.
My manager, Mr Brown Ene, is a good manager and he
called me up and we negotiated and I took the role.
It’s a must-see movie.
Now before you start to asking me why and crucifying
me, that’s the character I was givien to play. It
warrants me to go nude at a point in the movie. It’s a
serious movie.
So like I said, as an actor your ability to interpret any
role given to you is what makes you a good one. So
Nigerians should understand that I was only doing my
job. it’s just a movie. It’s a ghetto movie and I was
one of the lead characters in it. I also took the role
because the pay was so right. It’s coming out soon;
I’m sure people will enjoy it. It starred Nollywood stars
like Queenth Hilbert, Patience Ozorkwo a.k.a Mama G,
Gbenga Richard and musician, Vicko Kings. It will be
available in all cinemas.
You are obviously one of the few actors not
afraid to go to any length when it comes to
your job. What challenges do you face,
especially from the public?
The challenge is nothing more than the regular
criticism. You come out in public and when people
recognise you, they start to look at you strangely. But
I’ve developed a very tough skin to criticisms.
I have come to the realization that whatever you do,
even if all you do is just do nothing, say nothing, fold
your arms and close your eyes, people will always
criticize you no matter who you are, so just do what
makes you happy as long as you know you are not
hurting anyone.
I will always be grateful to my fans who have been
encouraging me.
How did you join showbiz?
I started modeling at age 16 and started acting
professionally at the age of 23. I have always loved
entertainment. I used to act when I was in primary and
secondary schools.
Even in our church, a Catholic church, I acted every
Good Friday. I used to take the part of Jesus Christ.
I also did dramas with friends at home. My mom
noticed this talent, called me and said ‘Benson, you
have to go into acting professionally.’ She gave me
some money to register with Actors Guild of Nigeria
(AGN), which I did in the year 2008.
Since then, I have featured in over 30 movies and I’m
still counting. Also, I have modeled for Zain (now for
Airtel), Wema Bank, Nestle, Gold Circle Condom,
Rainbownet, First Bank, Orange Drugs and many too
numerous to mention. I have lost count, but I give God
the glory.
Apart from acting, you also run a boutique
and saloon.
Yes, I have love for fashion and beauty. I’m known for
looking good. My nickname is Mr. Packaging and I was
nicknamed that because of my dress sense. It’s just
simply because of the way I combine colours and all.
My salon and boutique are in Enugu; Colectibus Unisex
Salon. It’s where my fellow actors come to have their
hair done, and also my fans. I went into the fashion
business because of my love for fashion and style and
to reach out to my fans. It’s an exquisite place for
distinguished and sophisticated individuals.
You are currently one of the candidates for
the “Sexiest in Nollywood” contest. Could
you throw more light on that?
I was nominated for Nollywood Sexiest Actor both in
the Ghana and Nigerian categories. We were above 150
when we started the quest and now we’ve been
screened to 20 and I’m on the top five. I thank my fans
for their votes so far.
I believe that I’m going to win because I’ve got a
charming smile, great height, romantic eyes and good
posture and I’m a head turner any day.
Jim Iyke won the first edition and Desmond Elliot won
the second. I’m in the top with the likes of Ramsey
Noah, Yule Edochie, Van Vicker and John Dumelo. It’s
strictly by vote and I believe I’ll win with the help of
my fans who have been voting.
You sound like someone who has got the
ladies at your fingertips?
That’s normal. I won’t deny that I’m a lady’s man, but
one needs to be very disciplined. My mom taught me
to be disciplined and treat ladies well.