August 22, (THEWILL) — Veteran actress, Bimbo Akintola, has decried what she described as Nollywood’s growing obsession with appearance at the expense of storytelling and dedication to the craft.
Speaking during an interview with fellow actress, Ayo Adesanya, Akintola lamented that the passion which defined the industry’s early years has waned, giving way to glamour and cosmetic enhancements.
“The passion is gone. When we started, it was passion-driven. It wasn’t about the money, but about making a difference, doing something you felt was your reason for being,” she said.
Recalling her early career working alongside industry icons like Sola Sobowale and Joke Silva, Akintola said actors were willing to work overnight without pay, motivated purely by storytelling and realism.
She, however, faulted today’s crop of actors for prioritising makeup, outfits, and surgeries such as Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL).
She noted that the fixation on looks has shifted attention away from talent and content.
“Now, people are saying, ‘My makeup isn’t right, I can’t wear this.’ Is that what the film is about? We are more concerned about our outfits and how we look,” she queried.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
