Beautiful, well-endowed Nollywood Actress and young entrepreneur, Aderonke Atere is one of the rising stars doing Nollywood proud with their beauty and acting prowess.
The Ibadan, Oyo State-born actress who is a graduate of Political Science from the Ekiti State University in this exclusive interview speaks on the challenges she faced while starting out and explains the difficulties she experienced in the industry while starting but she remained unshaken because of her passion for acting.
How did you get into acting?
To start with, my name is ATERE ADERONKE. I have always had a passion for acting since I was young and I do write movie stories growing up. I liked acting so much, and I could remember how I invited our neighbours then so we could do a short drama in our house. Acting has always been my thing since childhood. Then fast forward to when I was done with secondary school, I had one big sis in our neighbourhood then and she’s into acting as well, her name is Iwalola. She was the first person to take me on a movie set in 2010 in Ibadan, and I was featured as an extra in a club scene though I can’t remember the title of the movie anymore, there were great actors in the movie such as Damola Olatunji among many others.
So do you have formal training in acting?
Like I said earlier, I don’t have any formal training in particular. I have always had a passion for it.
Were your parents in support of your chosen career when you first started?
My dad wasn’t in support at all! You know how African parents can be when it comes to acting as a career. But my stepmom was partially in support, she has always been a lover of Nollywood movies and the industry in general and we also had a video club where we rent out movies on our street as well. I was able to go to the first movie set because my dad was on a business trip.
So how has the journey been so far?
It’s been a rough one honestly; having to combine acting with my other businesses is not an easy task, more reason why I haven’t been going on movie sets recently.
What were the challenges you faced when starting out?
It was quite tough starting out but because of the great passion I have for acting, that has been what has been giving me the staying power and kept me going on.
How many movies have you starred in so far, and their names?
I have featured in quite a few movies but I can’t remember all, these are the few ones I can remember, BRUNO AND THE LAW, WIFEY, PJ, JAMAL and THE GHOST AND THE TOUT TOO.
So do you criticize the movies you starred in? Maybe see something you thought you could have done better.
Definitely, I do believe in self-improvement and I’m always open to learning more and doing better as an actor.
Your family background and education?
I’m from a polygamous family. I’m the fourth child in a family of five. I hailed from Ibadan, Oyo state and I also grew up there. I finished my primary school education from Command Nursery and Primary School, then my secondary school from United Secondary School. I proceeded to have my first degree at the Ekiti State University where I studied Political Science.
Can you share with us some of your memorable moments growing up?
Growing up was fun. Like I said earlier, my love for acting started from when I was young and I used to organize my fellow young kids in the neighbourhood together for mini-dramas. That was quite memorable for me.
Your experience again. What was it like during your campus days?
My campus days were exciting. Like they used to say, you need to pass through the school and also allow the school to pass through you. I effortlessly mixed academics with socials and had fun while on campus and I didn’t allow the social’s to affect my studies because I was able to draw the lines between the two.
What is style to you?
Style is more about being yourself, style is being comfortable in your own choice of clothing and other fashion accessories.
What are your favourite fashion items?
I love good hair, nice shoes, and good perfumes; anything that has to do with fashion is just always a YES for me.
Your signature perfume.
I have a few but OUD ISPAHAN from Dior is a favourite.
Do you have a particular beauty regimen?
I exfoliate my skin to get rid of dirt and make it glow and I also do facials when it’s necessary.
What part of your body do you consider as a selling point?
I believe it’s my shape lol, I have a nice figure and I’m also bursty. I get a lot of compliments about my body mostly.
What’s your take about bullying in the industry, especially by senior colleagues?
I don’t pass my boundary and I usually mind my lane. Respect is reciprocal and I do give respect to those I know are my seniors in the industry, even the young ones. It’s just a matter of simple courtesy. But whether it is in the movie industry or any other industry, bullying is not a good thing and should be curtailed in all forms.
Have you been bullied by anyone before and how did you handle it?
Hmmm yes, but I’d rather let it slide.
Your take on Sex for Roles in the Industry.
Sex for roles in the industry is real and does happen. But this societal vice is not limited to Nollywood like people used to make it look, it’s virtually happening across all industries. The media mostly used to focus on the showbiz industry.
Has any director or producer demanded sex from you in exchange for a movie role?
No. I’m not desperate for fame. I believe it is when you’re desperate or show desperation to be a star that they will want to take advantage of you.
When not on location or working, how do you relax?
I enjoy travelling a lot; I book a flight and travel if I want to relax.
Are you a romantic lady?
Even though most people see me as a hard lady, I still think I’m very soft on the inside. I’m such a baby at heart, so yes.
What do you look out for in a man?
Above any other thing, a God-fearing man.
Can you tell us about the current project you’re working on?
I’m currently not working on any project, but next year of course… I’m planning to produce my first movie next year by God’s grace. So stay tuned.
Aside from acting, are you into some other form of business?
I’m the creative director of ATRON INTERIORS, I am into interior designing, and I am also a makeup artist Sophz_glam. I also own a clothing brand HOUSE OF SOFFY.
