Kenneth Chukwu… ‘I’m not a stereotyped actor’

 Kenneth Chukwu is a Nollywood actor with immense talent. The Isiala Mbano, Imo State-born is a graduate of chemical engineering from the Enugu State University (ESUT). Since he started acting, he has featured in movies such as 40 days in the wilderness, Nnaa Men, God’s money, Eagles bride, Lost empire, Dangerous mission and so on. In this chat with GERALDINE AKUTU, he talks on his acting career and the Nollywood industry.

Who are your influences in acting?

Well, successful and humble people influence me. Both men and women, who have excelled in their various fields in life, and are still humble enough to relate with everyone irrespective of status.

What inspires you to do what you do? 

I would say that the major thing that inspires me is my esteemed fan. I get so elated when people appreciate my works, and that, for me, is the greatest inspiration. Above all, God is the provider of this talent!

What is your favourite part in filmmaking?

My favourite part is the audition…I love people attending auditions the same way I like to attend auditions. It enables the producer to give a level playing field to all actors, who may see themselves as perfect for the roles. It gives room for fairness, allows better actor or more suitable person to get the role.

How would you describe your style of acting?

Well, I’m not particularly conscious of any style… but people say I tend to put fun in all the roles I play. Style of an actor may be due essentially to the artiste’s natural dispositions, thoughts and ideology. However, the director’s style and concept, producer and scriptwriter could determine an actor’s characterisation as the case may be.

How many films have you featured in so far?

   Over 140, and I’m still counting.

What kind of roles do you prefer?

I’m very comfortable with any kind of role as long as it suits my person and I can make it believable.

What has been your biggest achievement in the field of acting?

It has been the opportunity to travel to places I wouldn’t have naturally gone if it weren’t for movie and the many contacts I have made both here in Nigeria and outside the country.

What are your strong points?

My strong point is in my versatility and ability to play different roles effectively. Film directors find it difficult to pin me down to a particular role because I fit in very well in any movie genre.

What area would you like to improve on as an actor?

I would like to improve on my delivery of indigenous languages, as well as give more punch to my enunciation and articulation of the English language.

How do you prepare for a movie you will feature in?

Preparing for a movie these days isn’t as it used to be back then… though, some producers these days, take time to plan their jobs and execute them. In the past, movie making was like a cult. A dedicated amalgamation of talented crew hands and directors who see the movie from the prep to post production stages so meticulously and with so much pragmatism and financial discipline.

How do you memorise your lines for a script or play?

I just read through my scripts over and over till I get the story’s substance, as well as the role I am playing. I read the script thoroughly, especially when I get it long before shoot. This helps in delivery and poise than when you are just asked to come on set after someone may have disappointed them in the last minute.

What determines your interest in a role?

I really do not influence the role I play. I leave it to my producer and director to either open me up to greater challenges or have me play same role like I may have done in some movies. But one thing is clear; no two stories are the same. The same goes with the characterisation. You as an artiste try to differentiate the roles and work on the character’s contribution to the entire story! So, what majorly would influence the role I like to play is the impact of the character to the story as it is being told but then you do not always get the luxury of choosing a role for yourself. They give you roles and yours is to deliver.

Favourite role you’ve ever played?

My favourite role really hasn’t come in a movie per see, but in a soap opera called, Living for tomorrow, where I played Teacher Zacheus, whose dexterity was comical and engaging.

If you weren’t acting, what else would you be doing?

If I weren’t acting, I would either be practising my chemical engineering profession, or better still, be working in the aviation sector, a part of me, which I discovered a long time ago.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be an actor?

My advice to upcoming actors is to remain focused, go for formal training either in high institutions or film courses and try to improve because there is never an end to learning. No one is perfect but learn to respect your director and producer. Also, learn to work in harmony with your colleagues in the industry and avoid gossips. Above all, keep God in your heart and trust Him to lead you.