Daniel Lloyd earned a reputation as the man under whose guidance Timaya’s music career was launched. Both men would later part ways. He speaks with Azuka Ogujiuba on his role in Jude, a film shot in India

You’re the lead character in the movie Jude; what is the movie about?
I went for audition about four times like everybody then and ended up getting the role. I guess they were satisfied with my performance. And you will need to watch the movie first and know what it is all about. I would have killed the suspense for everyone if I say anything now.

The movie was shot in India; how was the cross cultural experience for you?
It made me realize that we are all the same in life but in different ways. Indians like wonderful and warm people. I felt like one big star coming to visit them.

What fun memories do you have staying in India for so long to shoot the movie?
Their food, cinema life style, friends that became brothers – because we still keep in touch till date.

How did your love for a acting begin, because you were known more as Timaya’s right hand man having managed him since the inception of his career before you both went your separate ways?
Acting for me started way back from my secondary school days, acting in my church drama group in Warri, then doing my first movie in my fourth year in the university in Enugu State. I studied Civil engineering in Enugu State University after I went through a one year course in street to star competition in Port Harcourt where I came second. The competition was organized by Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, and her then husband, Karo Mrakpor, worked for briefly with my boss Basorge Tariah jnr on different locations.

How were you able to manage Timaya’s rather controversial personality?
Timaya is more of a brother than my artist. If Timaya has something to say, he will go all out to make his point clear which many people see as controversial.

Was the departure on a good note?
Timaya remains my boss and brother. We are still working together on some projects now. We’re cool like ice.

Do you see comparisons between Bollywood and Nollywood?
We are not where we want to be; but we are not where we used to be. We are getting better. Movie making is a lifestyle over there unlike here in Nigeria where the industry is in the hands of a few people.

What was your childhood or earliest ambition?
It has always been to have a voice in my generation. I guess I’m still on course.

Who do you regard as your mentor?
In Nigeria it is Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ramsey Nouah, but on the international stage it is Al Pacino.

How old are you?
I was born on April 14 in the year my mates were born.

Who is Daniel Lloyd?
I am from Bayelsa State, from a large family, a graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology. I own my entertainment and consultancy company here in Lagos.

Where has been your happiest Place?
Monte Carlo in France.

Are you a car freak?
Yes, I love cars.

What is the most memorable thing a woman has ever said to you?
That she wants to have a child by me.

What are the five qualities that will attract you to a woman?
Her smiles, legs, dress sense, fragrance, shape.

What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?
Patience.

What ambitions do you still have?
To be Nigeria’s and Africa’s best and also feature in Hollywood movies. It’s all in the mind.

What drives you on?
My past; I don’t want to go back there again so I work very hard towards a better future.

What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
Myself.

What has been your greatest disappointment?
I don’t have regrets in life because if I knew better, I would have done better.

If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you do?
If I lose everything l will still work on my ideas to make it.

Do you believe in after-life?
Yes, there is life after now; it is called eternity.

If you had to rate your satisfaction with life so far, out of 10, what would be the score?
10/10 because I am living my life like it’s the last.