By RITA OKOYE
Mimi Orjiekwe is one of the beautiful but talented actresses taking over Nollywood. The Enugu State-born ex-beauty queen, who is happily married to Tinsel star, Charles Billion, comes across as a good role interpreter. In this interview, she opens up on life as an actress and challenges of being very pretty and married. Excerpts:
What plans do you have for the New Year?
I decided to begin this year in a very big way. I started with my own production. I’m currently on a movie set and it’s my own movie that I am shooting.
What prompted you to go into movie production, do you want to join the trend?
Not really! I have always wanted to go into movie production. I always think ahead. I want to get bigger and move further and then make more money, you know (laughs).
Aside movie production, what other plans do you have?
I am working on my wig brand. It would be out soon. The plans are on course.
When was the last time you acted in a movie?
It’s a while ago. The movie is titled ‘The Neighbour’s Wife’ and we had other top A-list stars in the movie. It was a bit challenging in a way because it wasn’t something I was used to. The movie was really interesting.
You have come a long way as an actress; do you still encounter challenges?
The challenge right now is how to get bigger, how to breakthrough. Well, it’s not like I haven’t broken through, but I want to make more hits and go farther.
From your pictures I saw on Instagram, it seems you had a wonderful Yuletide. Can you share some of your experiences from those wonderful moments?
I was invited to a beach party and I went to have fun with my friends. I had a fun-filled Yuletide. Even though my husband wasn’t around, I took a break and really enjoyed myself.
How much do you miss your husband whenever he is not around?
Of course, I miss my husband so much whenever he is not around. Last Christmas was supposed to be our first festive year as a married couple, but he got a job and had to go sort it out. It is all about understanding so I just had to bear it.
Sometime last year, you said you were planning a grand society wedding after your traditional marriage, should we still expect this?
For me, we are married! That’s all! Wedding or no wedding is nobody’s business. Let me just give you a hint, people might not even know about the wedding, they will just see pictures.
Are you planning a secret wedding?
I can’t tell you right now, but when the right time comes, I’ll tell you and even invite you over (laughs). A wedding is a wedding. That’s all I know.
I spotted a photo of you on Instagram where your tummy was looking bigger than usual, is Charles Billion’s seed in there already?
(Laughs). As you can see me right now, it’s no longer there. I’m on a serious diet. I actually ate banku and it protruded my stomach. Please, I’m not pregnant yet.
I have seen you on countless occasions, always looking beautiful and stylish, what’s your beauty routine?
It’s Jesus! On a more serious note, I work out; diet, and I don’t play with my skin. I love looking beautiful.
From the pictures of your mum I have seen, it seems you really took after her?
Yeah! You are right; the beauty runs in the blood.
What is the sexiest part of your body?
People say it’s my eyes, but for me it is my face. When I look at the mirror, I appreciate my face; when I am getting dark I make sure my face doesn’t because that is the first thing anybody will see when they look at me.
Do you have any fashion regret?
Fashion is about what you believe and think is good for you. As for me, I don’t think I have had any fashion regret. Every day, we get to know better and join the trend.
You are very pretty; do men still woo you even as a married woman?
Haaa! So many of them, they won’t just let me be. It’s even worse right now, but I’ll surely overcome them.
Some of your colleagues are having one marital crisis or the other, what’s your take on this?
My dear, I must confess being married is not easy. We all just have to try and manage it. I won’t blame anyone whose marriage has failed because as celebrities we have too much pride and ego.
What are you doing to guard your marriage?
The use of the words ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I love you’ is very important in marriage, but we don’t do that and the other person feels sad. Marriage is all about understanding and endurance.
You are married to a TV star; does this make things easier?
Everybody has the process or marriage formula they are adopting. It’s all about planning and insisting the marriage must work.
Did you ever know you’d end up with an actor?
I am one person that has always said ‘I will never have anything to do with an actor’. I have never had anything to do with an actor or producer, not until Charles came up. But I believe, in a relationship, all that matters is love. I believe you can be with anybody you want to be with as long as you love the person
What is the best advice you have received for your marriage?
It’s to be prayerful. Prayer is the key in all situations.
What could make you cry?
I am a very funny person. What you think can make me cry won’t make me cry and what you think won’t make me cry will end up making me to cry. Very little things can make me cry. Anything that has to do with pity can bring tears out of my eyes, especially when I am supposed to help a person at a particular time and I cannot, that can also make me cry.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am Mimi Orjiekwe. I am from Enugu State. I am an actress, now married to Charles Billion. I was born into the family of four; I have three brothers while I am the only girl. My parents are still alive. We all are based in Abuja but I schooled in Enugu and did my MBA in University of Abuja. I started acting in 2008, but at a point, I had to quit. I came back to the industry a few years ago.
You are the only girl; does that make you a spoilt child?
No. I really didn’t get all I wanted while in school and after school.
What was your parents’ reaction when you stepped into the movie industry?
My dad has always known that I like the limelight. He knows I like the red carpet glamour. We are also members of the Rotary Club and every end of the year there is always this children’s party they do where I usually dance and win prizes. I also do drama and everything the camera catches. So, when I started acting, he asked me if that is what I wanted to do and I said yes. He was not really against it, what he was against is actresses exposing their bodies in the name of acting.