Thelma Okhaz has been in Nigerian film industry for over 15 years and has featured in many blockbuster Nollywood movies. This sexy mother of four is very passionate about her family and career. She tells ORUKPE NELSON the secret behind her ageless beauty and sundry issues

Tell us briefly about your background

I am from Edo State. I was born and raised in Lagos. I’m from a polygamous home; my father was a Muslim and my mother a staunch Catholic. I went to Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos and graduated from the University of Lagos with a B.A in Arts. I am a theatre art graduate and I am happily married with children.

When did you join the movie industry and what motivated you?

I joined Nollywood in 2005 after I graduated from the university.  For me, it’s a calling and it is one of the best things I can do in life and the feeling I get from it is unexplainable. The fulfillment is amazing that’s why I know it’s my calling in life.

You have featured in many films. Can you mention some of them, especially the one that brought you to limelight?

There are so many of them. Let me mention the more popular ones: Brides apart, Costly mistake, Legal war, White hunters, Festac, Two face, Hidden marriage, Ofunwa, 89 years in bondage and so many others. ‘Costly mistake’ brought me to limelight.

What about the awards?

I have so many awards. I got an award of honour from FACE OF LEC last year (2014).

You are very attractive. How do you manage advances from the opposite sex?

It’s a normal thing for a man to be attracted to a lady, so it’s really no big deal when I get the attention. All I do is to appreciate it but stand my ground. I let them know that my ‘No’ is a definite No.

How does your hubby react to calls and disturbances from your male admirers?

Anyone that truly loves and respects you will trust and support you in whatever profession you are.

You like wearing vibrant hair colours that contrast with your skin colour. Do have any particular reason?

Staying on one hair colour bores me, so I love to change my hair colour.

There were stories in the media that you bleached your skin. Can you enlighten us more on the truth?

A producer told me to take glamorous pictures and make sure they toned up the skin colour which I did and gave him his copy and I also displayed it on Facebook and Twitter and the next thing I saw was some jobless bloggers writing rubbish and lies. Am an actress and if I’m asked to take pictures in pink, green or whatever skin colour they want, as long as it’s to sell the job, I will do it again. I certainly don’t have any regrets for the pictures.

You act wild and sexy characters in films. Do you enjoy being provocative and how does your hubby react to those kinds of roles?

I have acted in different roles. No good actor likes to act the same role all the time. So when I’m asked to act in different roles that are interesting, I do.

Will you act nude for a certain price?

Read my lips: I will never act nude for any useless money. For the love of Christ, what will I tell my kids and loved ones?  God forbid!

You have a sexy body for a mother of four. What is the secret and how do you maintain your body shape?

I maintain it by not keeping grudges. I eat right and I also love exercising.

What do you consider your best body part?

I really don’t know, I will leave that for people to decide. (Laughs)

Describe your fashion style?

My own fashion style is to wear what I feel most comfortable in. I don’t follow the norms and trends. I wear what I want and feel like.

If we take a peek into your wardrobe, what kind of clothes are we likely to see?

You will see all kinds of clothes ranging from Jeans, gowns and tops.

If you are going on a red carpet event, how long does it take you to dress up?

It takes me about three hours to get ready and look beautiful.

Do you have tattoos? Mention how many and location?

I don’t like tattoos at all! I want a flawless skin so why get a tattoo that I will definitely regret?

What is your life passion?

My passion is my loved ones, my passion is my career.

What’s your favourite perfume and wristwatches?

I’m really not a wristwatch person; so I don’t have any favourites.

What kind of shoes and bags do you like?

I love accessories a lot. For my shoes, they must be very high. My favourites are high-heeled bumps.  I also love good leather bags and prefer mostly big bags.