Tonto Dikeh gave me the beating of my life –Queentessy Eze, actress

                                      Star of African Bride, Queen­tessy Eze, who is currently studying Theatre Arts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, joined Nollywood in 2012. Today, the actress has over 15 blockbuster flicks to her credit. In this interview, she speaks on several issues including her rapid rise in Nollywood and how Tonto Dikeh gave her the beat­ing of her life. Excerpts:
How did you join the movie indus­try?
I joined the industry in 2012 when I registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria Enugu chapter. I started acting as a kid and joined the drama club while in nursery school. During my primary and secondary school days I was a member of the drama club as well. I won the Best Actress award as a student of Magnet In­ternational High School. And that made me very popular and I was nicknamed ‘Junior MJ’. The Theatre Arts that I’m studying now is a dream come through because I have always nursed the idea. I had wanted to join the industry as a grad­uate, but incidentally, there was a movie shoot close to our house and I was asked to be part of it. After that, I participated in Cinemedia Talent Hunt in Enugu and came out tops as Best Actress and was rewarded with a major role in my debut movie entitled, The Beast. From there I started attending auditions and winning roles. Today, the rest is history.
What does MJ mean?
It means Mercy Johnson. People say we look alike a lot both in physique and delivery.
Have you ever worked with Mercy Johnson on set?
Yes. That was in The Beast released in 2012.
To what would you attribute your quick rise in the industry?
Winning the Cinemedia Talent Hunt really boosted my career. I started with sub-lead roles instead of waka pass or very minor roles like many artistes. And by the grace of God, I have been doing lead and sub-leads in all my movies. However, I resigned from my banking job about five months ago to concentrate on my studies and acting.
Which movie do you consider your most challenging so far?
All the movies I have done are must-watch. But if I must single out one, it should be African Bride, where I played Kenneth Okonkwo’s sister, Nkechi.
How have you been managing your male admirers?
I actually receive praises from both male and female fans. But as regards managing male admirers, politeness is the key. Admirers do come; I have always known that they would come someday and I am also aware that if fans are not admiring you, it means that you are not good at what you do. So, I appreciate my fans.
Are you into a serious relation­ship at the moment?
Yes, I am; with my studies and act­ing career. And I am so faithful to them (laughter).
You mean you don’t have a guy in your life right now?
I don’t want distrac­tions at this stage of my career. There is time for every­thing. Now is the time to face career and education.
Have you ever experi­enced sexual harassment? ­
I have not experienced such for now. God has been so kind to me. I have worked with several pro­ducers, directors and col­leagues and I have always enjoyed a smooth outing.
Which part of your body do you consider your biggest asset?
People tell me that I have lovely eyes, legs and all that and I believe them. But I also know that such endowments don’t make a good actress and don’t guarantee roles. Even if you are the most beautiful girl on earth and you can­not deliver your lines satis­factorily, you will have no place in the industry. So, being beautiful and sexy could be a plus but at the same time meaningless if you are not a good actress.
With good pay, can you act soft porn?
Acting is all about make-belief. But as an Igbo that would want to get married someday and expect my kids to be proud of me, I wouldn’t act such roles. I can dress sexy but defi­nitely cannot act nude. You can look very sexy and still deliver the message effec­tively without being nude.
Who is your role model in the industry?
I like the way Stephanie Okereke comports herself and how she delivers her lines. I also love Chika Ike for her politeness and humility. Another person that surprised me on set is Tonto Dikeh. I had always admired her acting style and was opportune to work with her on the set of Afri­can Bride. She was meant to beat me up and she really gave me the beating of my life on set. And I was like ‘after all, I know who she is so I am not surprised because I was expecting the Devil himself’. But against the beating and all the negative reports about her, especially in the media, I later found her a very down-to-earth and friendly person. She was such a delight on set. I was surprised when she later came to my room and apologised. She hugged me and explained that she had to do it to bring out the best in me. And when I saw the film, I appreciated her for the beating. I also love Patience Ozokwor and Genevieve Nnaji. They are great inspiration to many up-and-coming artistes.
Did you face any re­sistance from your fam­ily when you wanted to take up acting?
My dad opposed it ini­tially because people told him all sorts of lies. They said that I would become wayward, that I will never get married and all that. But after I explained and assured him that I would be of good conduct, he softened up. Now he is my biggest fan.
Every girl desires to have an ideal man as husband. What quali­ties should your ideal man possess?
He must be God-fearing and hardworking. And I don’t mind him being cute, in­telligent and sexy; a total package will be lovely.