SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Source: www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk 

As I watched Slumdog Millionaire, a 2008 Indian film directed by Danny Boyle, I realised that the film could actually relate to our personal lives. Dev Patel as Jamal Malik in the film was born in the slums of India. His parents died at an early age thus becoming an orphan. Life was really hard for him and his brother but they didn't give up, he did so many odd things just to stay alive and at the end he became a millionaire and conquered love.

Everyday we go through struggles, difficulties and painful experiences that break us till we cry uncontrollably in the corner of our rooms. We are ashamed of our past and frustrated of our present but we forget that what defines us is not our past, but our willingness to make the best out of all situations. Many of us have gone through harrowing experiences that has left us breathless. These are things we can't even share because of the pain it produces in us.
But let's flip the coin to the other side.

ANOLIEFO OBINNA; the man even kings love to watch!

He is 'Bobby' in 'Tinsel', and 'Judge' in 'The Cut'. The second child of seven children. I am talking about the most sexy, friendly, jovial, down to earth, upcoming Nigerian actor of our time, ANOLIEFO ANTHONY OBINNA! Words can't describe how elated TWG is to have him on an interview. Don’t miss the train, the interview starts now!

TWG:What is the unique thing about your family?
Obinna: The unique thing about my family is that we are known for good things. Apart from the fact that the meaning of my surname ‘Anoliefo’ is ‘anywhere you go, people will talk good of you’, we are known to always be of help to the less priviledged. I cannot count how many people my father has placed on scholarship. I don’t want to go into that right now but I just want to assure you that my family is special and God has always been our back bone.

TWG: Why do you like acting?
Obinna:I love acting because it’s the only thing that gives me joy.

TWG: Do you want to specialize in acting?
Obinna: Not really though, my acting is inborn, it comes from within, so since I already have that I will love to try other fields like modeling, televison presenting and other things which are art inclinded.

TWG: That means you are up for any modeling and presenting job that comes your way?
Obinna:Yes ooooo, I am up for it! Anytime, anyday!

TWG: Can you marry an actress?
Obinna: Hmmmm, that is a difficult one but yes, if I find the qualities I want in a woman in her and if God directs me towards her and above all if I fall in love with her, I think marriage should be the next thing.

TWG: Seriously? What's your kind of woman?
Obinna: Hahahahaha. I knew you were going to ask that, but I am not going to answer you. It's best known to me.

TWG: I see you don’t want girls to be all over you?
Obinna: Hahaahhaha… Which guy doesn’t want that? But like I told you, it's best known to me. That is my little secret.

TWG: Who is your role model?
Obinna: My role model is no other than the delectable and saltry actress, GENEVIEVE NNAJI. I just love everything about that lady.

TWG: Hmmmm
Obinna: Yes oo, why the hmmm na?

TWG: Hahahahah, I am sure yo will meet her some day! How do you catch fun?
Obinna: I do so many things for fun ooo. I love gisting, hanging out with friends and above all, I love going to the gym.

TWG: Can you act nude in a movie?
Obinna: Hahahahahah, yes I can act nude in a movie. I know most people will be shocked by my answer, but the thing is I am a professional. I didn’t just go to school to study Theatre Arts because it was an available course, I studied it because it is my dream, and I want to make a living out of my career. I started acting professionally in 2008 before then, I have been acting since I was twelve . So you see, it is something that I have been doing, so if I am told to act nude in a movie, I would do it. I am an art practitioner and I am ready to break boundaries in the industry.

TWG: Do you believe in Nigeria?
Obinna: Yes ooo, if I do not believe in my country, what other country do you want me to believe in?

TWG: Hahahhahha. What is your take on people travelling out to seek for greener pastures?
Obinna: Very simple, everybody is different and we all have different visions and missions in life. So if anybody decides to go out of the country to seek greener pastures, good for them. For me, I am going to make it here in Nigeria.

TWG: How do you think piracy can be eradicated in Nollywood?
Obinna: Piracy can be eradicated in Nollywood if we can all come together and create awareness. Let people know that piracy is bad. Adverts should be continuously on tv, billboards and flyers should be distributed. We can also make use of the theatre which is one major way of creating awareness to the public. Plays should be staged pointing out this vice and how disastrous it can be.

TWG: What is your philosophy about life?
Obinna: My philosophy about life is actually a very simple one. To me, I see life like a play, it's not the length of the play that matters, it’s the performance that counts, in other words, we need to ask ourselves these questions; How well have we lived our lives from the day we began to differentiate between right and wrong to this point? Have we really achieved what we are here for?

TWG: In other words, your philosophy about life is living a life of Impact right?
Yes, exactly, that is my philosophy about life.

TWG: It's so nice having you on TWG BLOGSPOT! We hope to have you on some other time.
Obinna: Thank you, I look forward to it.

We have come to the end of today's interview, I hope you had a great time. Life is about passion. Be passionate about the God you serve and what you do. Give life your best and the best will definitely come to you! Thank you Obinna, TWG BLOGSPOT celebrates you!

EBICHI PROMISE!!!!

My day was made very exciting when I heard the voice of my longtime friend and course mate over the phone. With a voice that shames the microphone, it is an understatement to say that he is a veritable actor, his voice on stage practically holds everyone spellbound. Watching his performance makes you fall in love with his acting skills. I know Thespis himself will be proud of this great thespian. Here is an excerpt of the interview with him;

Can I meet you please?
I am by name Ebichi Promise Chinonyerem, a practitioner of the arts, I hail from Abia State and I am a graduate of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja.

What are your hobbies?
The list is quite long but just to mention a few; I love reading, listening to music, thinking, engaging in various sports like football, swimming, table tennis and basketball.

What are you passionate about?
Well, I am passionate about the Arts. I want to set a high standard for theatre arts practitioners in Nigeria. I want to build it to a height that both the local and international communities would come and willingly invest in it.

What is your area of specialization?
I specialize in acting.

Why is there low patronage for theatrical performances in Nigeria?
Theatre as you know has been relegated to the background over the years and this has affected the patronage in present time. This can be made evident with the lack of spaces for theatrical performances in the country. We do not have adequate and well equipped production house that would accommodate the manufacturing process of this given product that one wants to sell. Also, patronage is psychological. Practitioners need to start affecting the psychic of the masses thereby causing a positive change in their thoughts which brings them down to the theatre.

Have many stage performances have you done?
Wow! Seriously, I have lost count.
What will you say are your two most memorable performances?
That should be 54 Silhouettes written and directed by Africa Ukoh and also Dance of Death by August Strindberg performed here in Abuja. Both performances are so dear to me.

What do you do apart from acting?
Outside acting, I run a business of my own.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Five years from now, I see myself doing my acts on both local and international stages and also running my own theatrical outfit.

Wow, that sounds really big! Thank you so much for your time, TWG Blogspot celebrates you!
It is my pleasure, thanks.

Acting as Commander