OSAS IGHODARO(CHIOMA)

Osas has been a familiar face on screen and stage for over a decade as part of the TV series ‘My Flatmates’, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, ‘Smart Money Woman’, Cadillac Records’ ‘New Money’ & ‘Tyler Perry’s ‘Meet the Browns’ and many more. In this interview she talks to us about her newest project ‘Assitant Madams’ and her journey thus far in Nollywood.

How did you get the role as Chioma in the

New REDTV series ‘Assistant Madam”? Was it serendipitous or was it just being at the right casting call?

I had a conversation with Director - Tola Odunsi in regards to who should be considered for this new project he was working on. I gave him a few actresses names he should consider and at the end of the conversation he said why not me? I initially didn’t consider myself but at the end of the discussion I was convinced to audition. As they say... the rest is history.

The series has some amazing cast of actors and actresses with incredible resumes. Did that put pressure on you to work extra hard to deliver on your character?

When delving into a character, I try not to depict my work ethic or how hard I work based on who my colleagues would be because I always try to put my best forward no matter what. The cast I get to work with on this project are super talented and that’s the cherry on top.

We have watched the very first episode where your role as Chioma depicts a woman who knows how to get what she wants out of men without giving too much of herself. Do you think this truly portrays the extent some women will go to get what they want? And if so, what do you think is responsible for this?

I think this is someone’s story out there. Though the specific characters we play on ‘Assistant

Madams’ are fictional, I’m sure someone out there can certainly relate. I get to bring to life someone’s experience in some way shape or form and as an actor, I have a duty and obligation to be true to that.

This insatiable quest women have towards material goods and high flying lifestyles sponsored by rich men is fast becoming a norm all over the world but it is important for us to let the younger generation realize this shouldn’t be so. What do you think can be done to change this mindset?

I believe speaking about it and bringing it to the limelight is the first thing. I’m actually not here to judge anyone or the character I play. I feel everyone 16

The storyline may be considered a taboo or not morally right but at the end of the day I’m here to depict an experience someone may have gone through and the consequences and the joys it comes with. has a story to tell.

The storyline may be considered a taboo or not morally right but at the end of the day I’m here to depict an experience someone may have gone through and the consequences and the joys it comes with.

We have read some reviews where the series was heavily criticized about not portraying women, especially Nigeria women, in a positive light, what are your thoughts?

Again, I don’t want to shy away from the fact that someone is actually experiencing this in some way. Society has its taboos and it may not exactly be popular to put it out there but again everyone has a story to tell.

Do you think Assistant Madams will appeal to everyone other than the millennials and the youth of today, if so why?

I think it will appeal to many outside of millennials and youths because these sorts of experiences and stories have been around in society for ages.

Apart from being a part of this production for REDTV, what other interesting projects have you been involved in of late?

I’m excited to have a lot of projects finally premiering in 2020. I have an action film - Ratnik, a drama - Mama Drama, a TV series - Smart Money Woman and a romantic comedy - Namaste Wahalaall debuting in the next couple months. I’m grateful to be apart of these projects and excited to see the audiences feedback.

You have been an actress for over 10 years with many movies and awards to your name. What will you say is the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to say I am an actor that is working is certainly rewarding. It truly is a blessing to be a working actor passionate about my craft. I get to tell stories and it’s so fulfilling. My dream is to be able to act all around the world and I’m excited to see it come to fruition little by little.

How will your describe your sense of style?

My fashion style is definitely all about comfort.

I’m dabbling into the space of pushing the bar a bit, getting out of my comfort zone and doing things a little unconventional. I’m open to having a little more fun when it comes to my style.

And finally what is next for Osas Ighodaro in the year 2020?

It’s all about ensuring l am Booked, Blessed and Busy. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for my future.