With just a single role as Nneka-The Pretty Serpent, Ndidi Scholastica Obi could no longer walk freely on the streets like she used to or even go to the market. “Some people still walk up to me and ask me to transform into the cat that Nneka turned into,” she complains. But do you blame those who do that? No one will, after assimilating all what she did in the hit movie without wanting to confront her, and if the chance ever presents itself. AZUH ARINZE got much more than that though when he interacted with the 5’4 tall model-cum-actress…
What has been happening to you?
Nothing much. I’ve been living my normal life.
What can you say about the present state of the industry?
The industry is doing well. It is booming and people are making money, not minding whether the productions are super or not. Everything goes. Everything has gone haywire and that’s not encouraging.
What in your own understanding qualifies one to be an actress?
You have to be either qualified or gifted to be an actress. You have to have a natural gift. Not just because some people are there, then you too want to be there. Acting is not as rosy as it looks. For you to enjoy stardom, you have to develop a thick skin to a lot of things or you will just give up along the way.
What is your own definition of acting?
Acting is acting. Trying to be someone else.
If you were not an actress, what would you have become?
I would still have been doing what I’m doing now in the university-studying Banking and Finance.
If there is anything like reincarnation, what will you like to come back as?
Of course, as myself. Same Ndidi Obi.
What will you like to be remembered for when you eventually die?
For the good things that I have done.
Like which ones?
I don’t like blowing my trumpet.
How do you see yourself?
I see myself as a very simple and easy going person.
How old is Ndidi Obi?
Women don’t tell that. But I’m in my early forties.
Our readers will like to know more about you. Mind opening up further?
What is there that they don’t know about me already? Well, I’m in my early forties like I said before, I’m from Oghe in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. I was born in Port-Harcourt, but grew up in Surulere, Lagos. I attended St. Theresa’s Primary School, Marine Beach (Apapa, Lagos), Abakpa Nike Girls Secondary, Enugu and the University of Lagos (she read Banking and Finance). Any nice music appeals to me. So also does any Nigerian dish that is well prepared. I’m not particular about anything. Any beautiful colour, car, etc., will always make my day. I’m a Catholic. I’m also a mother.
We were coming to that. But now that you have begun, who is the father of your son?
I don’t want to talk about him, please.
Then, let’s talk about your love life?
Nooooo! (Exclaims).
So, how is life as a mother?
Fun. You know why, my son Chidera is my all and all. My life now revolves around him.
What are your pastimes?
I play chess. I play scrabble and I watch movies.
Which of your works so far has yielded the biggest fee?
No comment.
Why?
I don’t want the readers to know. Moreover, what I earn is supposed to be personal and not for public consumption.
What about the lowest that you ever collected for a production?
Same as above.
Which of your roles give you the greatest joy?
Nneka-The Pretty Serpent, of course. I still prefer it, anytime, anyday.
Which of them saddens you?
None.