Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has opened up about the evolution of Nollywood, contrasting the raw hunger and passion that once defined the industry with the glamour-driven focus of today.
Speaking in a recent chat on Ayo Adesanya TV, Akintola recalled the early years of her career, when actors gave their all for the love of storytelling rather than financial gain or fame.
“Back then, we didn’t care about food, sleep, or even money. What pushed us was hunger for the craft. We would work all night if we had to, just to get the story right,” she said, noting that her contemporaries, including screen icons like Joke Silva and Shola Sobowale embodied the same tireless dedication.
The actress explained that the Nollywood of today tells a different story. According to her, many new-generation actors are more preoccupied with physical appearance than the art itself. She observed:
“Now, the focus is on makeup, fashion, and looking glamorous. Some are even going for BBLs just to fit into the industry’s idea of beauty.”
While acknowledging Nollywood’s growth and global reach, Akintola stressed that the soul of the industry should never be lost to vanity. For her, true acting still lies in passion, grit, and the commitment to bringing characters to life, no matter the sacrifice.
Meanwhile, in July, Temitope Solaja ‘Aruga’ in the most candid part of her Talk to B interview with Biola Bayo, set the record straight and confirmed what many had speculated. She revealed that she had a liposuction and BBL. Temitope was quick to add that the surgeries were for her, not for any man or industry pressure. She told Biola Bayo:
“I love fashion. I love to dress up. But my body didn’t align with my style.
I did the procedure to feel better in my own skin. When I dress, I want to look in the mirror and say, ‘Girl, you look good.’”
Temitope also fixed her teeth, after an accident left her feeling insecure. “I smile a lot. I wanted my smile to reflect how I feel inside,” she said.
According to Temitope Solaja, despite her initial fear of backlash, the response to her transformation has been overwhelmingly positive.
