Ariyike Akinyanju is an upcoming actress and a student of English
Language at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu- Ode,Ogun
State. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, she speaks on how she has
been combining academics with her acting career and her fashion
preferences, among other issues. Excerpts:
Growing up
Growing up was fun. I had a normal childhood like every other person but
it was also a learning process for me. I had a lot to learn especially in
terms of knowing right from wrong. I also learnt to be independent, to be
zealous and to work hard in order to be successful. I was the family pet,
as my name suggests “ARiYIKE”(child of care) I am not the first child
nor the last and I am definitely not the only child but I am special and
was treated as such.
Foray into acting
Acting has been a part of me right from my childhood, from the moment I
began to recognise what it meant to imitate other people. Later, I started
bringing imitation into reality. It was after my primary and secondary
school education that my mum motivated me to go into acting
professionally.
I watched a movie produced by Mr Adebayo Tijani in 2006 and fortunately
for me, his number was displayed at the end of the movie. I called him
and made my intention known to him and that was how the journey
started under the tutelage of Adebayo Tijani.
Challenges faced when I started acting
There has never been any shortcut to success in life so, every profession
has its own ups and downs. It was not rosy at all, but I thank God that
whatever the level of the challenge at any point, I always scaled through
with God by my side.
First experience on set
It was fun. I was not scared or anxious and that was because the only
thing I wasn’t used to before then was the camera, as I had been acting
before that time. I didn’t forget my lines either because I had been used to
memorising and saying my lines before my first encounter with the
camera.
Though I cannot remember vividly the first movie I featured in, the one
that gave me a head up in the industry was Opo (widow) by Fathia
Balogun. I have featured in so many movies since I joined the industry
that I have lost count of the number of movies I have featured in.
Ajijagbara (the activist), Kudi Klepto, Omo Olodo, Adajo Aye, Ayemi, Ife
Oju, Ayami Tooto, Iyawo Osun and Eyinju Eledumare, to mention just a
few are some of the movies I have featured in.
The extent I can go to get fame
I can never go to the extreme of acting nude or semi-nude all in the name
of fame. Besides, only God gives one fame. No matter the effort you have
put in or the talent that you have, it is when God says yes, that you will
make it big in the industry.
Combining acting with academics
Well, I have been able to balance the two since I started my degree. It has
been tedious but I am coping. Life on campus is a whole lot of job for me,
I had to look good always, be nice to everyone even if I am not in the
mood, and I have to force it. Also, I have to smile always no matter the
situation or condition I find myself in because no one wants to see the
ugly face of a star.
Most embarrassing thing a fan ever did to me
That was when a fan shouted my name in the market place, I was a bit
shy because a woman wanted to crucify me over the role I played in a
movie, I had to chill a bit, greet them all then explain to them that I only
did what the script instructed me to do.
Personal philosophy of life
Do your best and leave the rest.
Description of self
I am an easy going person.
Definition of style
My style is simple but gorgeous. I don’t follow fashion trends, I wear
whatever I like and what I know will suit me. It doesn’t cost me much
money to look good. I spend as much as I can afford.
Beauty regimen
I use any nice bathing soap and body cream, I won’t mention names
because I don’t want to advertise. I bathe twice a day; morning and night.
As for cleansing, exfoliating and facials, I use home made remedies.
Choice of accessories
Any nice accessory will do.
Accessory I can’t do without when going out
My wrist watch.
Opinion on toning
It is a personal thing. It is just not my style.
What I will like to change about myself
Nothing really.
On cosmetic surgery
I think it is absurd. I am perfectly created just the way I am.
Greatest physical asset
My height.
Opinion on provocative dressing
It is a matter of choice. I don’t believe that one must flaunt what one has.
Favourite designers
I don’t really dig any designer.
My shoes and bags
I have close to 30 shoes and 20 bags.
Special treat
I chill out in a nice but cozy place.
Favourite perfume
Carolina Herrera fragrance.
Favourite colours
Green and orange.
My hair and nails
I either fix weavon or braid my hair. For my nails, I paint then when
necessary, especially when the role I am playing calls for it.
Secret of beauty
It is God all the way.
Keeping fit
Nothing actually, I don’t diet and exercise for me, is once in a blue moon.
How I handle my male admirers
I handle them in a polite and humble manner. As for the persistent ones,
the distance is always there, however, it is their problems not mine.
Marital status
I am single but not searching. My ideal man is one who is open and
caring. My better half, the rib of my rib and bone of my bone. On when I
want to tie the knot, what I can say now is soon. I can marry an actor,
only that one of us will have to opt out because of the home.
Sex for role
It is a free world my sister, it is never a do or die affair. Just like every
other organisation, we have lots of male and female who admire one
another but as for me, Arike, I have never been a victim of such and I can
say there isn’t a bit of truth in that. However, like I said earlier, it is a
matter of choice. I am dating no one in Nollywood.
Likes and dislikes
I like honesty; I hate people who betray my trust.
Favourite pastime
Hanging out and travelling.
Assessment of the movie industry
The industry is a wonderful organisation, different people with different
character, faces and all of that. The industry is coming up day by day.
Advice for upcoming
Be determined, don’t be desperate, stay focused and believe only God
make artistes stars. It is neither by power nor by might.
Parting word
I love them all. GOD will continue to keep and guide them. Their love for
me keeps me going. I appreciate them all and I promise they won’t be
disappointed
Where I will be in five years time
I will be at the peak of my career and I will, of course, be giving back to
the society.
Nigeria Tribune
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