Queen Otuka: I Heard Actors And Actresses Are Bunches Of Immoral People

Actress, Queen Chiderem Otuka whose father hails from Umuodu in Umuaku and her mother from Ibobo Umueke in Mbubo, Isialangwa Local government Area of Abia State, while growing up she is fond of watching ace news broadcaster, Ruth Opia Binamieyisegha and this made her fall in love with wanting to be seen on the Tv screen.

The young thespian did not bask in the care of her parents for too long because she lost both quite early in life, her mother died while she was 10-years-old, while her father died when she 15-years-old both were teachers and strong Christians. It may surprise you she is the 6th child out of a sibling of 12, comprising 10 females and two males respectively.

She attended Umuaku central school, Isialangwa and attended AzuiyiOlopo Secondary school, and later took a transfer to Girls High School Isialangwa LGA.

Creekvibes OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS brings you excerpts from the interview conducted with the brilliant actress whose acting prowess has not deterred her from being a good dressmaker and a homemaker. Enjoy;

How did you start your acting career?

It was just like a joke, actually as a growing child, I had an intuition that I will become the actress I’ve become. While growing up each time I’m asked, “What do you want to become?” My response has always been ‘I want to be seen on the Television.’

How old were you then?

I should be below 12-year-old.

Which of the actor or actresses caught the fancy that made you vehement; wanting to be seen on the screen?

Back then there were no African Movie channels, we had little channels then, it was these white peoples’ movies and then Ruth Opia Binamieyisegha, the ace newscaster then, I usually admire her.

After your secondary school education, what did you do and at what point did you start acting?

I came to Lagos and started out as a dressmaker after my internship, I worked with few fashion design outfits before establishing my own at Amazing shopping centre, Isolo.

Do you still sew dresses?

Yes, that is my major occupation.

Happily, married with how many kids?

With three, kids.

Has your hubby ever complained of you going to a location staying up to two weeks or thereabout?

In 2013 when I joined a theater group, it was like a joke, I actually went with Ekwemba Ozioma, a Bond FM staff and also a friend, when I got there I was absorbed properly after my audition, before then I had seeked my husband’s consent, actually, I’ve heard that actors and actresses were bunches of an immoral set of people.

My husband gave his consent but he said,“I should know that I am married,” glory be to God I have never disappointed him a bit.

Since your sojourn in the acting industry, have you not been approached by a producer/director or fellow actor talking you into having a nice time with him behind closed doors while on location?

That is a normal occurrences, for a woman either beautiful or the other way round men will come to you and pour out their piece of mind, the truth is that I have been disturbed and I am still been disturbed, sometimes the director will even slap me claiming I didn’t interpret my role well while on the other hand, it was because I refused his sexual advances.

What advice can you offer a young promising actress that is been harassed sexually by a producer?

Anyway, my advice to them is this, so long you are out to act focus on your building your career, if anyone promises you of acting slots don’t be deceived if you are not good, you won’t be offered a slot.

It is how you present yourself and interpret your given script that will propagate you to the limelight.

What about ladies with a mindset of ‘I am going to offer my body in order to get a role’?

It’s true, some ladies actually believe in their bodies for a role, I for one do not believe in that school of thought. Those that belong to that school of thought will go nowhere as far as the industry is concerned.

Can you tell us how you met your husband?

It was funny, we did not date, it was a call I wrongly picked then he heard my voice and he decided to know who the receiver was and that was how it began.

Can you shed more light on the person he was calling?

He wasn’t in Nigeria then, so the call was meant for his brother whom I was working with, after we both heard each other’s voice through that call, subsequent calling he requested to hear my voice, then he was in South Korea.

So, that was how the relationship started, my husband was smart he came back from South Korea in April and we did our traditional marriage in June.

After marriage, why did he not take you to South Korea?

He had wanted to but, there were hindrances.

Does he still travel?

The mother stopped him, she told him to stay back because of his newly wedded wife.

Can you share your secondary school experience?

While in secondary school I didn’t mess myself up due to my background, my parents were Pastors. Those days we were so careful in our conduct so that no member of the congregation will found us wanting.

In the movie industry, how many movies have you featured in?

I have featured in about five movies, I act simultaneously with my dress-making vocational, it’s not been easy.

Usually, I seek permission from my husband before moving to a movie location, if he does not permit me, I won’t go.

Which movies have you acted in?

(1)       Igirigi (2) Agony in Paradise (3) Ojemba(4) Crack in The Mirror (5) Sodom and a couple of others.

Have you produced anyone?

No, not yet.

Why have you not produced a movie yet, is it because of the huge cost of production?

Not really, coping with my customers as a dress-maker and the huge task for running after actors and actresses on location.

Messages for viewers?

I want viewers to understand that what we act is not what we do, we step into those characters directed by our directors in order to pass a message, and viewers shouldn’t think that is our way of life.