Fan fainted meeting me for the first time –Bimbo Akintola, actress

Bimbo Akintola needs no introduction. From incep­tion, she has been in the forefront of Nollywood, and like old wine that gets better with age, the Oyo State-born actress currently in her 40s is on top of her game.

In an exclusive interview with Enter­tainer, the thespian, who was a guest at this year’s Masked Day Ball, organised by Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), opened up on her new project that has to do with the visually impaired. Excerpts:

As a veteran, what has been the secret to your success?

Grace and favour from God first of all. Also, I try as much as possible to be very professional, because the first thing you are taught at University of Ibadan where I studied Theatre Arts, is to be a professional. It is a simple thing, be on time and do your work to the best of your ability. And every time that I am on set, no matter what set it is or how much I have been paid, I give it my best.

What do you think the government could do to improve the lives of blind people?

A lot, but the truth is that, for anybody that has any form of physical disability, Nigeria is a horrible place to live in, because we don’t think about them. The impression is, once you have a disabil­ity, you are supposed to be packed up somewhere and forgotten. But in other countries, it is not so because they make it possible for you to have a life. And as Nigerians, we must start talking about these things; we must support each other.

What are you currently working on?

I am shooting a film in South Africa called ‘Coma’.

Tell us about your character?

The sensitive nature of the character is something I like, but oh, I can’t talk about it because it is not out yet. When you watch it, you will discover.

What has fame denied you since you came into the industry?

Fame has denied me anonymity. You cannot go anywhere without being noticed. You can’t even walk down the streets eating corn without people talking about it.

What is the craziest thing a male fan has done to you?

(Laughter) Male? It was female fan I would say. There was one in Port Harcourt that fainted after meeting me for the first time. That was scary; I was scared.

What is your advice for young girls who want to be actors?

My advice for anyone who wants to become an actor is that you must be edu­cated. Education is key; it is important that we are educated, if you can, get an education.

Have you found a new love?

Love? I don’t talk about my private life.