Versatile
actress, Eniola Badmus, who is famously known for her somewhat comic
roles in Yoruba and English movies, is reportedly having an enchanted
year which has landed her on the cover of Vanguard.
Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus, popularly known as 'Gbogbo Bigz Girls' who shot to limelight in 2008 after she starred in the film 'Jenifa',
is the latest celebrity to grace the cover of Vanguard Allure where she
talked about her career in the movie industry, the challenges of being a
plus size actress and more.
Below are excerpts from the chat;
What was growing up like for you?
My growing up was a beautiful one. I was born into the family of
Badmus Ogunsina. I was properly trained and well cultured like any other
proper girl. We were taught to love ourselves and never discriminate
against anyone. I come from a large family of 21 children and I am the
13th. We all eat together as one family; some of us go on vacation
together during Summer and we all wine and dine together.
When did you discover your creative flair?
I was a member of the drama club in secondary school so my
childhood actually prepared me ahead for my career. I later went to the
University of Ibadan where I studied Theatre Arts. Acting, for me, comes
naturally. It has always been part of my life; even while I was in
secondary school, I cracked jokes a lot during break period. My school
mates would book me ahead of time to crack them up in their various
classes. It got to the extent that some people will pay me 100 naira to
crack them up and dance for them while some will buy me lunch just to
make them laugh in their classes.
I had two friends back then, Tope Amao and Jibola Lagundoye, who
acted like my managers and they would collect money from my school
mates. Some they gave me, some they kept for themselves but that did not
bother me. I was happy making people laugh. Jibola Lagundoye remains my
best friend till now.
What challenges do you face as an actor?
I really do not see anything challenging anymore; days of
challenges are over because I have been doing this for sixteen years. If
challenges occur, I still believe I will overcome them.
You are known more for your comic roles?
I am a versatile actor. I think I can play any role, not just
comedy. It’s just that producers like to stereotype. When they find out
that you are good in a particular role, they tend to stereotype you but I
can play any role.
How does it feel being a plus size actress?
Well, it has not been easy for me; the rate at which people
criticize the plus size people. As for me, I am never bothered about
what people say. I am only bothered about my life, career and household
because the more you listen to criticism, the more it breaks you. My
advice to plus size people out there is never listen to criticism but
always eat right and keep fit to keep the heart going.
So, what’s next for Eniola Badmus?
I have loads of things I am working on right now. I will be
shooting two movies back-to-back before the year runs out. I also have
my TV series coming up soon and my comedy skit shortly after.
