By Rita Okoye
Temidayo Babatunde is known for her captivating presence in the Nollywood.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, she opened up on her journey in the industry.
Looking at her over 10 years experience in the industry, she shared her success story, explaining her short hiatus, just as she gave insights into her personal life, including her relationship status. Excerpts:
Tell us, what has been happening to beautiful Temidayo lately?
(Laugh) I have been working on my growth lately and prioritizing my happiness in everything I do.
Did you take a break from Nollywood?
Yes, I did, for checking and balancing, but I am back fully now.
Do you think you missed anything during the break?
Not at all.
Fans are happy to have you back; what should they expect from you soonest?
I just released two of my movies, entitled TRUST and MEN’S WORLD.
Can you tell us more about the two movies? What are the stories behind them?
Oftentimes, I turn what happens around me into filmmaking. That is why, you can always relate to my movies. I don’t want to spill too much information about the two movies. Just head to my YouTube channel. You will never be disappointed.
What were the major challenges you faced while shooting the two movies at almost the same time?
I didn’t have a challenge producing these movies and also acting as one of the major actors because I have a capable production manager ‘Sunny Alli ‘. However, I faced another challenge that I didn’t believe I would face after many years of experience as a producer. To shoot a standard movie now requires lots of funds because of Nigeria’s economy. We producers now spend 10x more. This is crazy.
How did you manage the financial constraints?
I got saved because I don’t always have a particular budget for movies. I’ve always prepared for the unexpected, but it later affected another thing that I should have done with the money. I only estimate, when it comes to my productions.
Why did you choose YouTube and not a bigger platform?
Everything in life is TIME and STAGE; if all of us are producing cinema standards movies, what will happen to YouTube? I do things accordingly. I don’t rush myself; the race is unnecessary, and some of us just want to be comfortable in life. We don’t want to have the whole world because afterwards, everything is still going to be left behind. Even after some years, those things are going to be outdated. The best house hasn’t been built.
Did you also delve into fashion? We see you have been flooding your timeline with lots of beautiful pictures and elegant outfits…?
I didn’t delve into fashion, I just decided to do more of what makes me happy, I feel happy and fulfilled when I dress well, and my mode of dressing has added a great advantage to me, so I have decided to be dressing well and take beautiful pictures of me, whether there’s a special occasion or not.
Would you consider doing fashion business anytime soon?
Yes. I have already started something about fashion underground; it will be reviewed by the public anytime soon.
There is always a saying that Nollywood people don’t love themselves; how true is that?
I don’t think this is peculiar to the movie industry; it happens in every industry. We all are doing the same job, our goals are similar if not the same, so definitely, it will only take an understanding person with the fear of God that the sky is big enough for all of us. Although, so I have my way of dealing with such because I keep to myself a lot. I call myself one woman MOPOL. So, that helps to avoid unnecessary drama; I treat everybody in the industry equally, I don’t have a special relationship with anyone, and I respect boundaries.
In regards to marriage and relationships, what do you think is the cause of the high rate of divorce in your industry?
I can’t really say much about it, as it depends on the individual, but my perception about it, is that love should be the foundation of every marriage while financial stability should not be waved away, after planting a beautiful flower, we still need to be watering it for it not to be withered.
Are you still single and ready to mingle?
Still single, but I don’t know if I am ready to mingle.
Why is a beautiful, sweet lady like you still single?
Waiting for God’s time, He doesn’t come late. He is always on time.
Are you sure? Or you have been rejecting suitors?
Sure! I have!
What are your expectations from Mr Right?
He must love me, if possible, more than I love him because when a man wants something sincerely, the relationship lasts longer. I must come first in everything; I can’t be anyone’s plan B; I don’t like it; I am God’s favourite, so why should I be a second option?
Which means you can’t settle for a second wife, even if he is a billionaire?
It meant not only me, but you have to love me most.
So, if this opportunity comes, would you grab it? What would be your terms to accept a second wife position?
It’s very deep! Sincerely! If I find myself in the position, the man must be a very mature man who will be able to make his own decisions, not mummy’s boy. If I can have things done on my own, I will say 100 per cent NO to polygamy; it’s not healthy for anyone, so if you find me in polygamy in the near future, just know that I did it because I didn’t have a choice.
How would you rate the growth of the Yoruba sector of Nollywood?
I must applaud my boss’s efforts in the make-belief industry; we have improved and upgraded, and I am so happy to witness the growth.
Your skin is as beautiful as the morning sun, what’s your beauty secret?
It’s God and my lifestyle. Our lifestyle contributes majorly to our skin, it’s not 100 per cent about the cream we use.
What is that thing that is working for you that is important to the growth of your brand?
If there is any, of course, I would want to keep it to myself; it is not selfishness; it’s called ‘TRADE SECRET’.