Princess Linda Adedeji is a fast rising Yoruba actress who has done
so much for herself. She hails from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. The very
talented actress is happily married to Prince Aderemi and their union
is blessed with a lovely son.
In this recent chat with her, the unassuming actress spoke on her
lifestyle and career.
Read excerpts:
Aside acting, which other vocation you are into?
I have a unisex salon not just for celebrities but for everybody
including a layman on the street, this is because my prices are
affordable and I also manage a paint store for my hubby.
How long have you been in the industry?
I joined movie industry in 2004 and I quit for a while in 2006 before I
later went back in 2010, but all together, I will call it nine years.
How many movies have you featured in?
I have featured in over 50 movies and I have produced three so far.
The first film I produced was “Igbekun-abo” in 2005, the second was
”Alejo” in 2006 and the third one is “OYINKANSOLA” which was
released on 28th of Jan 2013..
Which film would you say shot you into the limelight?
Well, I will say ‘OROGUN-METTA’, a film produced by veteran Yoruba
actress, Faliwerepe. I featured in it with Baba Suwe, it was lovely and
funny. Producers and directors started giving me roles to act in their
films since the inception of the film. The recent film that gave me
another name was OKANRAN, a film produced by Segun Agbelusi. It
is very interesting and educating.
Why did you choose Yoruba genre instead of English?
When I first developed interest in acting, I met Empress Ijamah, I told
her about my interest and she introduced me to her brother who is a
producer and director. He gave me a role to play in ‘Hostel Girls’ and
I interpreted it very well, but at a point, I developed more interest in
Yoruba film.
How did you join the industry?
I was working in a company after my OND when I met Ajoke Asewo
Tore Meka, I told her about my interest in Yoruba film but she said
she's not based in Lagos and I should be coming to Ibadan for
rehearsal after registration, which was difficult for me. She
understood my plight and took me to Faliwerepe to register under
her caucus which I did and she started taking me to locations. She
introduced me to many producers and directors. this was how my
acting career started.
There is this saying that Yoruba industry is polluted, what do you
have to say on that?
Yes, the movie industry is polluted generally; it’s not peculiar to
Yoruba industry alone. I must tell you the truth, when I first started,
the harassment was too much from directors and producers. Like I
said earlier, I started with Faliwerepe, I featured in most of all her
films, but whenever I wanted to feature in other films by the opposite
s*x; it's always a problem, I have gone to a location where I was
given a major role and after the rehearsal, the producer came to me
and said I should co-operate before he would give me the role, I did
not understand him at first not until he said it in a lay man's
language, I was so sad. I got mad and blasted him by raining curses
and abuses on him. I left the location immediately. Later on, I
decided to start producing my own film and be my own boss instead
of using my precious body to get roles, my talent is inbuilt, so why
should someone have a taste of my body before giving me role. I
started producing my own movies to help upcoming actresses like
myself especially.
What is your advice to young actresses?
Well, my message to them is that they should be focused on what
they want, please don’t allow any producer or director to molest you
because of role. I am not saying all of them are bad; there are some
good ones who are ready to feature you once you can interpret your
role very well. Please, just be patient and be prayerful; with God all
things are possible and you will surely get there.
Who are your friends in the film industry?
They are all my friends because we are one family, but I am closer to
Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Moji Olaiya, Mistura Asunramu and many
more..
Of all the films you have produced, which one is more challenging
and why?
“OYINKANSOLA” was very challenging because it was three-cast. I
wanted to do something strange, new and interesting and I thank
God that I achieved it in “OYINKANSOLA’. It is a movie you will like
to watch over and over again.
You are a very beautiful woman how do you cope with male suitors?
They keep coming, you know men with their “wahala”. But once I tell
them my marital status, they either back out or become platonic
friends.
Most women in the industry go for male personal assistant, why?
I can only speak for myself, I have a male PA because I am
comfortable with him than female PA. He’s more active and it’s
much easier for me to deal and relate with. That’s my opinion and I
can’t speak for others.
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