Fast rising Nollywood actress and currently Special Adviser to Senator Abba Moro of Benue State, Linda John, doesn’t joke with prayers.

In this interview, the thespian shares how with prayers she deals with diabolical people in the movie industry. She also opens up extensively on her journey into showbiz, challenges, love life and sex for role palaver. Enjoy it, please.

How did your journey into Nollywood start?

I chose acting because I have always had passion for entertainment. Also, I crave the exposure that comes with meeting new people and learning different cultures and traditions.

Can you recall your most challenging movie role and how you handled it?

I had my most challenging role in Nollywood a couple of years ago. It was during my early days in the industry. I went to Awka for this particular production and the director connived with the makeup artiste, costumier and production manager to frustrate me on set because I refused to sleep with him. The conspiracy was too much and I later left the location. I didn’t even have transport money to go back to my base. I had to call my elder brother to send me money. I handled the situation by leaving the production, because my life didn’t depend on just that particular movie. I have never been desperate about this whole movie thing.

Share with us your growing up and how it has shaped your personality?

I grew up in a Christian home with my parents and siblings, mostly my brothers, who made me acquire male-related interests like football, table tennis etc. This has helped shape me especially in my field of endeavour where some of those skills are required. Also, coming from a very religious background helped me a lot in my career, because of some diabolical people in the industry. I would love to say that prayers saved my life.

What are the criteria you look out for before accepting a movie role?

One of the first criteria before accepting a movie role is the storyline; it has to be good. The movie has to be well scripted; good stories produce good movies. Secondly, the production crew – this aspect is vital because working with a bunch of production professionals gives you a good movie. I am only about good movies. I can never settle for less.

Are there roles you cannot take?

Taking up roles as a marine agent or spirit related roles is a big NO for me, because they have repercussions. Like I said earlier, prayers saved me more times than I can count.

What has fame deprived you of?

Fame has deprived me of a couple of things; like walking freely on the road, taking okada (motorcycle), and buying things randomly by the roadside. In fact, there are lots of restrictions I face.

What’s the most embarrassing DM you’ve gotten on social media?

The most embarrassing DM that I have gotten should be on Instagram, where the person said, ‘I want to fuck you. How much?’ Like seriously? I just blocked the person.

You recently made a post on Instagram regarding Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), if someone volunteers to sponsor you, will you go for it?

My post regarding Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) on Instagram and Facebook was pure cruise. I will never go for BBL. I am quite close to some of my colleagues that did BBL, and I will tell you this for free, most of them are regretting it right now. Like you have to keep renewing it to be able to maintain that perfect shape. I know of someone that has gone to renew hers thrice, and it’s seriously affecting her health. I won’t even advice anyone to go for it. Some of them fell into the hands of fake doctors because they wanted it at a cheaper rate, and this further complicated their case. Then, instead of giving them a round butt, they ended up with a square butt. Some even borrowed money to go and do BBL. Someone called me recently to loan her N100,000 because she was broke and indebted after the procedure. She told me she couldn’t afford to eat. It’s crazy!

What’s your take on the notion that actresses maintain their luxurious lifestyles by sleeping around with sugar daddies?

Well, not all actresses sleep around. You can say some, it’s unfair to generalize because we still have very hardworking artistes in the industry. They work so hard for their money. However, we have some of them that have absolutely no business, yet they flaunt expensive things online. You can easily tell where it’s coming from.

Have you ever rejected a suitor, and why?

Yes, I have rejected a suitor because we didn’t share the same belief. He’s not a Christian and doesn’t believe there’s God. Any relationship that is not built on a solid foundation cannot stand, that’s my belief.

What do you look out for in a man?

I look out for a man with the fear of God. Any man that does not love God cannot love anybody. I also look out for a kind man with good taste, character, and a sensitive person.

What’s your relationship turn on and turn off?

My relationship turn on is a sensitive and great conversationalist, while I detest arrogance and being insensitive.

Can you marry a man above 60?

When it comes to marriage, age is just a number. I have seen younger people’s marriages breakup in less than a year and I have seen older persons’ marriages last longer. So, yes I can marry someone above 60 that is mature at heart, kind, and sensitive.

Given the opportunity what would you change about Nollywood?

If given an opportunity to change something in Nollywood, I will like to change the rate at which non-professionals troop into the industry by setting up a task force to checkmate the affairs of the various guilds. Take for example someone that has zero knowledge of directing, with absolutely no training, coming to direct a movie because he or she knows the executive producer, or a commercial sex worker posing as an actress, because she was given a waka pass role in a movie. I will set up a strong task force to checkmate these departments to make sure that only registered members are allowed to participate in a production. (Daily Sun)

Update news