Nollywood actress Funke Akindele recently shared her experiences of facing rejection and challenges in the Nigerian movie industry during a conversation with media personality Toke Makinwa.
Akindele revealed how she was once denied movie roles because of her physical appearance, specifically her body shape.
News About Nigeria reports that she recalled people telling her that she ‘was not fine’, lacked curves, and wouldn’t be suitable for certain roles in the industry.
In her own words, Akindele stated, “I remember people telling me ‘You are not fine. You don’t have arse, you don’t have breast. You won’t be in this movie’. A lot of times, I will cry, break down, get into the bathroom crying.”
She shared a particular incident in the early days of her career when she was cast in a Yoruba movie as an extra, despite being promised a leading role.
This experience left her disheartened, and she retreated to the restroom to cry. It was fellow actress Sikiratu Sindodo (Tayo Odueke) who came to her aid and demanded an explanation from the producers.
“I remember one Yoruba movie. I was paid well so I went to this Yoruba movie. Aunty Fathia got me the job. She said to bring clothes; I packed clothes. Yoruba movie then didn’t have a wardrobe.
“I took my costumes and entered ‘molue’ with my box. I got there. In that movie, I was just an extra. After promising me that I will be one of the lead girls.
“I went to the toilet and cried. Sikiratu Sindodo, God will bless her. She came to me and asked me not to cry. She went to the producer and demanded why I wasn’t used.,” she said.
Iyabo Ojo, another actress, also stood up for Akindele and confronted the producers on her behalf.
Akindele remembered how Ojo would advocate for her and take her to eat at Sweet Sensation, offering comfort and encouragement.
