Popular Nollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri, officially breaks the silence surrounding her love life and exclusively tells THISDAY ‘Entertainment File’ that she is single and searching. She also talks about what to expect from her new movie “Memory Lane” and more in this chat with Akpor Gbemre. Ruth is popular for her role in “Matters Arising”, “Heart of a Fighter”, “Circle of Trust”, “Boys Cot”, among others. She runs a charity organisation called Ruth Kadiri Foundation, which reaches out to orphans and less privileged kids
Tell us more about your new movie “Memory Lane”?
“Memory Lane” talks about the story of unequal love within families and there is a lot of morals to be learnt from it. A family is thrown into chaos when the head of the family dies and the children are left feeling they’ve been deprived of true love by the other.
How long have you been acting and at what point did you decide to go into movie production?
I have been in the industry since 2006. I started as a script writer which later paved way for me to be on the screen. I started producing in 2013. It always gets to a point when you know you have what it takes to move to the next level, that point was three years ago. I took the chance and it has been worth it.
How does it feel to be a ‘big fish’ in Nollywood?
I won’t consider myself a big fish just yet, I work hard every day and I’m glad at the height I have attained so far.
Is Nollywood truly the second biggest movie industry after Hollywood? What’s your take on this rating?
It depends on the angle you view it from. Rating the industry is done in different aspect of the industry, but overall I think we are the third largest industry which isn’t a bad thing. What’s encouraging and inspiring is that, the Nollywood of today is certainly not the Nollywood of few years back. The quality of production and the level of technicalities involved in Nollywood of today is certainly way higher than it used to be, and the level of distribution and showcase have reached an appreciable level going by the set standards at the cinemas, online promotions, marketing and distribution, brand investment and recognition, even actors recognition in light of endorsement deals and campaign strategies. I will certainly say we are walking our way up even faster in a positive light.
Do you see yourself doing some Hollywood production in future?
Well, by the grace of God, everyone aspires to be big. I didn’t see myself where I am today few years back and I pray everyday to find myself even in a better place in the future. So being on the big screens of Hollywood is a reality I am positive about. It will happen someday by God’s grace.
How do you unwind and where’s your favorite vacation spot ?
(Laughs) Well, when I’m not working, I just relax or watch a movie with my friends. I really don’t have a particular vacation spot, where my heart finds joy is where I relax. If I have a man who wants to go to Kenya for fun, he is the essence of the fun not the location.
Who are your favorite Nollywood and Hollywood personalities?
In Nollyood, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekehinde. In Hollywood, I love Melissa McCarty and Kevin Hart. They are really good at what they do and I look forward to working with them some day.
How do you cope with all the advances from male and female fans considering the fact that you are a sexy lady?
Well, I just strike a balance all the time. I am not a loose girl. I am someone who really likes her privacy but still tries to keep the balance.
Are you presently in a relationship?
No, I am not. I was in a relationship but not anymore, and I thank God I’m out of it. So right now, I am single and searching.
When you say you thank God you are out of a relationship, what do you mean?
Can we not talk about it please? (Laughs)
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years ?
I see Ruth Kadiri as a big brand. I see fulfillment all around me and I see me being strong enough to handle situations I cant handle today.
What’s your advice to young people out there who want to be a Nollywood star like you?
Go for it. A lot of people will try to discourage and bring you down but be strong and focus… Everything good doesn’t come easy.
