• Kelechi Akara is a Nigerian actor from Ndoki in Ukwa-East Local Government, Abia State.
• In this interview he sheds light on his long career as a Nollywood actor, problems affecting the film industry, what it takes to be a great actor and more.

By Delia Innoma (Live online with Delia)

Please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Kelechi Akara, the ´second child of five, 3 boys and 2 girls. I was born in the early 80s. I hail from Ndoki in Ukwa-East Local Government, Abia State. But I was born and raised in Umuahia. I’m a very friendly, blunt and a no-nonsense dude. I hate to be taken for granted. I’m daring. I hate pretenders, fake people and cowards. Don’t act like you love me while you don’t. You must not like me.

How did you get into acting?

I got into the industry through a friend of mine who told me that there was an audition somewhere in Umuahia because they knew that I wanted to act. So, I went to the place and that’s how I met with a man called Oscar Benson, laughs. You might not understand why I’m laughing but that’s by the way. That was when he did Born in Prison and it was my first movie. Before going to Enugu, I had to register with AGN Rivers State. That was how I got into Nollywood.

How many movies have you featured in?

Well, I can’t remember all. So I can’t say the exact number. Here are some of them: The Third Generals, My Class Mate, Iron Pant, Tears of the Innocent, Treasure Coffin, David & Goliath, Mission Impossible, Freedom Fighter, World of Sin, Save the Land, Akwaugo, Pounds and Dollars, Emerald, Keziah, Cold War, Genesis, Orange Groove,  Brain Wash, Aguba, In Too Deep, Ghetto Republic, Chelsea Vs Liverpool, Pastor’s Blood, Last Information, My Angel, No 1 Enemy, Occultic Battle, Last Day, It Pays To Serve, The Evangelist, Mastermind, 10 Commandments, His Majesty, Born In Prison, Village Hunter, and so many others. These are the ones I can remember for now; so many others are yet to be released.

Most challenging role and why is it challenging.

Last Information, where I played the lead role. It was shot in Awka and Enugu. It was challenging because a lot of things happened on that set, which I will not like to talk about here. It was wonderful working with Jerry Amilo. He played my elder brother in the movie. He’s a very nice guy. He encouraged me on that set. In fact, he is a brother.

What are you working on right now?

I’m not on location at the moment but will be shooting in Enugu by next week, going through scripts right now. After this I’ll be going to Lagos for the next one.

What makes a great actor?

You see, an actor’s job is to bring a scripted character to life. So for you to be a great actor, first and foremost, put GOD first. You must have the talent. It must be your hobby. Be yourself. Have your own techniques and style to play each role you have been given to play. Always listen to your director on set. Be obedient. And most importantly, respect your senior colleagues, no matter the age difference. I think with all these, GOD will surely take you there.

How do you see Nollywood of today compared to when you started acting?

Lol. From when I started till now, so many things have changed. For example, you hardly see audition notices like before and it affects the upcoming artists that want to join Nollywood. They can now bring anybody from anywhere. They don’t mind if he or she is registered with the Guild. How about those who registered for years that have not seen even extras (waka-pass) to play? Are they fools? It’s a very good thing for new artistes to come up but they should do it the right way; from auditions you’ll get the best.

These days they call people on the phone if they want to shoot a movie. Some artistes buy gifts or pay money to get roles in movies, what a shame! So many of them are desperate and can do anything to appear on screen. But I don’t really blame them somehow because things are not done the way it should be done. If they bring auditions back like it used to be things like that will reduce. In the industry there are so many unnecessary competitions and so many other things.

Nollywoodgossip wishes you the best.

Thanks, Delia for having me.

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