Movie producer and actress, Olamide Alawoya who is popular for her many kissing scenes has revealed why she is choosy when it comes to kissing men on set.
Alawoya in an interview with Sunday Scoop, spoke about her child, career, education and why she has a problem kissing men on set especially if the man has mouth odor.
“I don’t have a problem acting a romantic scene with anyone. However, I have to be comfortable with the person. I have a problem with kissing, so I can only kiss someone I know doesn’t have mouth odour. I am still single. I am responsible for myself and my parents understand that it’s a job.”
Read excerpt from the interview
While growing up, like most children, I wanted to become a lawyer. At some point, I also wanted to become an accountant since it had to do with money. However, I didn’t know much of what the job entailed then.
Education
For my elementary education, I attended the University of Ibadan Staff School, Ibadan. I then proceeded to Queens School, Apata, and Genius Royal Academy (both in Ibadan) for my secondary school education. I later got a diploma in Industrial Labour Relations and Bachelor’s degree in Economics, both from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State.
Career
I really cannot recall the title of the first movie I appeared in but it was produced by Omogoriola Hassan.
Movies
So far, I have produced four movies. When it comes to getting movie locations, it is always difficult. Though I have location managers, I prefer doing things myself because I know the picture I have in my mind. I try to embrace the challenges and make the best of them. I also strive to make sure my next production is better than the previous one.
Parents’ reaction
They were quite indifferent about it initially. At the time I started acting, I was still schooling. So, their major concern was that it shouldn’t distract me from my academics.
Lessons
One thing that has stuck to my heart over the years is to remain consistent and also evolve. We know how big the industry is. From time to time, new acts come in, so if one feels one has got a spot that is irreplaceable, one would be shocked by how quickly someone else would take one’s place. The goal is to stay original, keep working and constantly bring in new and creative ideas to be on top of one’s game.
Challenges
When I started, I was quite shy. I was expected to take up the role of someone I was not in reality before so many people and that was quite difficult for me. With time however, I got over it. After all, it is just about lights, camera and an act.
Industry
I wouldn’t say the job doesn’t pay well; it depends on the value you place on yourself. And besides, I have other businesses I’m involved in.
Lateef Adedimeji
The movie, Surface, wasn’t the first time we worked together. We have worked on a couple of movies together and we got along fine. The same energy was channelled into filming Surface and it was amazing.
Negative comments
Usually, I care less about those comments because one cannot please everyone. But in cases when the person goes overboard, I just delete or block the person.
Other interests
I run a fabric business– both wholesale and retail. I also anchor corporate events and entertainment shows.
Romantic roles
I don’t think I have limits playing a romantic role in any movie. Before getting on a movie set, I have an idea of what the story is about and also who I would be casting for what role. So, when we get on set, I discuss with the person in order to be comfortable with him or her. I can’t feature someone who has bad breath. Whatever happens on set is strictly professional; feelings are not attached. However, I am speaking for myself; I don’t know about the other party. For the movie, Surface, a lot of people said I kissed a lot in the movie. I cannot remember how it happened. It just happened on set and ended there.
I don’t have a problem acting a romantic scene with anyone. However, I have to be comfortable with the person. I have a problem with kissing, so I can only kiss someone I know doesn’t have mouth odour. I am still single. I am responsible for myself and my parents understand that it’s a job.
Nollywood
I would not talk about Nollywood in general; I am only familiar with the Yoruba sector. What I hate most in my sector is when one gets called for a movie role and it seems there is no plan for one. I recall going for a shoot and was delayed till 1am because they didn’t make proper welfare arrangement. Meanwhile, if one complains, one would be tagged as being proud. It’s tiring when producers don’t make provision for their cast and crew.
Fears
My greatest fear is failure.
Men
I like a man that is purpose-driven, caring and highly intelligent. I want someone who knows the value of family and has the fear of God. I prefer tall dark-skinned men that would always pamper me.
Being loyal has got nothing to do with beauty. I can be a very loyal partner if what we have is mutual and I don’t think I’m ugly. Nigerian men? There is actually no general description for them. The same way there are loyal women and bad ones; there are also good and bad guys.
Relaxation
I’m actually an ambivert. One moment, I’m social and the next moment, I just want to be indoors. So, unwinding (for me) doesn’t happen often. When I feel like it, you would probably catch me eating out and hanging out with friends or spending time at the movies.
Fashion
I will not go nude just to be fashionable. I love to wear anything I find comfortable.
