Fast rising Nollywood actress, Ini Dima-Okojie, speaks with DGossip247 about her love life and why she dumped banking for acting
Why did you quit banking for acting?
I used to be an Investment banker. It was a good job; it paid well and I learnt a lot. Normally, I’m a very organised person; I arranged my itinerary for the week on Sundays. But as time went on, there was this longing in my heart and I knew I wasn’t fulfilled, regardless of how much money I was making. In my head it didn’t seem logical to abandon a career I had built and go off to pursue something that was just a passion, so I kept doing what I was doing for another year.
At a point, I applied to the New York Film Academy (the annex in Dubai) just to fulfill all righteousness as it were and see if the idea would die off inside my head but it did not. I eventually knew I couldn’t put it off anymore when I got to a point where I stopped ironing my work outfits. I would just find something to throw on and head off to work. It was at that point that I really knew I wasn’t fulfilled as a banker anymore.
Why did you choose the New York Film Academy?
I wanted to get quality professional training, and I didn’t just want to be reckoned among those who just popped up on the screens and started acting. I wanted to get trained and also receive feedback as I honed my craft, so I could really be sure this is what I want to do.
How did your parents take your decision to dump banking for acting?
I actually delayed telling my parents about it initially because I didn’t know how to break the news to them. I couldn’t go to the institute in Abu Dhabi again because they had issues: it was either I settled for a course in Production, or I went to one in New York. All I wanted to do, for now, was act, so naturally I chose New York.
I was almost through with the whole process of applying before I told my mum. I told her a month to when I was supposed to travel, and surprisingly she was totally in support of the idea. She even told me she had sensed it before and supported me fully. My dad had issues initially, but when he started seeing things happen, he also came around eventually.
What kind of issues did you have with your dad?
He wasn’t hostile towards me, but he just couldn’t understand why I would want to leave stability for something unpredictable like the arts.
Did you always want to be an actress before you went into banking, or did you develop the passion for it much later?
Well, I would say I kind of fell into Investment Banking. I’d always wanted to be an actress.
So, why spend all that time studying Banking when you knew your passion was acting?
You know how Nigeria used to be. You’re expected to study Banking, Accounting, International Relations or Economics, and the like when you go to school, and start working when you graduate. I guess I was just following the perceived norm. My mum was a banker and my dad was a medical doctor; everybody was in that academic lane and I guess I didn’t want to be the odd one initially. I was always interested in creativity all through school though, which was why my mum supported me instantly because she always knew I had a passion for the arts.
What else do you do besides acting?
I’m a TV host. I also attended the ‘Become A Host Academy’ in Los Angeles, California, after my training as an actor. I’ve been privileged to host a show called ‘My Big Nigerian Wedding’, which will be aired soon in Nigeria. I’ve also had this idea to start my own talk-show since last year. I’m working on it.
Who have you worked with in Nollywood so far?
I’ve worked with a lot of the younger generation actors in Nollywood, and they’re so receptive and wonderful to me. I’ve worked with Blossom Chukwujekwu, Lillian Esoro, IK Ogbonna and a host of others. I’m aiming for the older ones too now, and I know I’ll get an opportunity to work with them one-by-one soonest (chuckles).
Don’t you miss the steady month-end income you used to get as a banker?
Of course, I do. That was one of my initial fears, but you have to pay your dues and make sacrifices for your dreams to come true. It’s not easy, but I know I’ll be fine. I’m ready.
What are your strengths as an actor?
With the background I have now, what I bring to the table is simple: I treat every script I get like my child; very personally. I break it down and internalise every aspect of it. I’m also very open and teachable when I go on set, because nobody can know everything in this world. I always do my homework and come prepared. I’m a ‘method actor’, and I like to literally become every character I play.
You’re obviously religiously inclined, but how far would you go to become a star? Would you act nude or semi-nude?
Everyone has their own moral codes, and I believe in setting boundaries for whatever one does in life. This helps you stay grounded. As we speak; I don’t like to give definitive answers to anything in life, but as of today, I wouldn’t do a nude movie. Semi-nude or romantic scenes; well, I wouldn’t want to take anything out of a story. So, if it is tastefully done, i.e. the director and production team know their onions, and it’s a scene that is important to the story, of course, I’m ready to do it. The emphasis is on it being professionally done. I’m not keen on having nudes flying around because I’m not a porn star (laughs).
Has your background as an investment banker helped your career as an actor in any way?
Yes, it’s helped me to be very professional. I’m always very punctual for my appointments. I don’t joke with my work, and I always meet my deadlines. So, yes, it’s helped me quite a lot. It’s also helped me look at acting from the business angle, because the truth is that everybody can have a passion. If you can’t translate your passion into profitable income, you can’t become successful in life. There must be a balance.
Are you married?
No, I’m not married yet.
Are you in a relationship at the moment?
No, I am not in any relationship presently. I’m single.
How long have you been single? When did your last relationship end and why?
(Laughs) I’m not a ‘serial-dater’. My last relationship was in 2010. I’ve been single for the past five years.
What would you look out for in a man?
Well, every girl likes the ‘tall, dark and handsome’ fantasy. But, when it comes down to the real deal, someone loving, understanding and God-fearing. Someone that respects me and what I bring to the table and someone I can respect as well.
Can you date someone in the movie industry?
That’s tricky. If it’s all up to me, I would rather not. I’m so focused at the moment and I don’t want things to get messy. The attention on one would just be too much of a strain on the relationship for me eventually, if something goes wrong. Love is crazy and unpredictable though, and you can’t really choose whom to love. But, left to me, I wouldn’t date an actor.
If you end up with a very wealthy boyfriend who insists you quit acting, what would you?
Well, that’s why I said my man has to respect what I’m bringing to the table. I didn’t make all these sacrifices just to come and be sitting somewhere counting some rich guy’s money.
How many productions have you featured in so far?
I’ve been on a couple of productions. My first was a telenovella titled ‘Taste of Love’. After that I did ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Vendetta’, and I just wrapped up ‘Death Toll’ with Alex Ekubo and IK Ogbonna.
Do you have any celebrity crush in Nollywood or Nigerian entertainment?
Yes, I do have a crush but he’s not Nigerian. My crush is Chris Hemsworth (chuckle).
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