SOPHIE ALAKIJA (TAMARA)

Part Lebanese and part Nigerian actress Sophie Alakija started her acting career at the age of 23 and has featured in several Nollywood movies and series which has propelled her to the limelight as one of the ones to watch. We catch up with her in this interview where she talks about staring in the New REDTV web series Assistant Madams and her journey thus far in Nollywood.

How did you first get involved with acting? When did you realize it was a career you wanted to pursue?

Acting is something I’ve always loved and wanted to be a part of right from my preteens and so when I got a lot older, I spoke to a director about it and I was invited for an audition and got the role on the spot!

Can you tell us about your role as Tamara on the New REDTV series “Assistant Madam” and what about her character made you take on the role?

Tamara is a go-getter, a big dreamer and would literally do anything to get what she wants. I saw a hustler in Tamara and I wanted to challenge myself with the character.

You had a lineup of incredible cast and crew with amazing resumes, did this put extra pressure on you to perform?

I wouldn’t say ‘pressure’, we all had different characters/roles to play which we all embodied in our own way so I would say I got the ‘drive’ to give my best because of such amazing cast and crew. I always give my best in all I do.

The web series was highly criticized about not portraying women, most especially Nigerian women in a good light, what are your thoughts on this?

This is film making. We’re telling a story and not everyone will agree with what we have to say/

Tamara is a go-getter, a big dreamer and would literally do anything to get what she wants. I saw a hustler in Tamara and I wanted to challenge myself with the character. show which is totally okay in my opinion. As long as the message is being passed across that’s okay with me.

What did you love the most about being a part of this production and why will you say it’s a must see?

It’s an honour to be a part of this project and I’m entirely grateful. It’s a very fun, entertaining show. It’s not your regular Nollywood series which is why I will say it’s a must see.

As an actress of dual heritage, do you think you get typecast?

Yes I think I do get typecast.

Vol. 22, No. 9075 Sunday, March 15, 2020

Who are your role models in this industry and why?

I absolutely love Nse Ikpe Etim because she is an effortlessly amazing actress.

How will you describe your sense of style?

My style really depends on my mood so I would say I don’t have a particular style.

What should we expect to see next from Sophia Alakija?

So many things lined up I can’t wait for you to see so please stay tuned.