Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday shared some of the difficult moments she faced at the start of her acting career.
She opened up during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, where she reflected on the pressures, decisions, and uncomfortable situations she encountered as a newcomer in the industry.
Speaking on the show, Nkechi said one of the biggest challenges she faced early on was the type of scripts she received.
According to her, many of the roles offered to her were extreme, unrealistic, and created to shock viewers rather than tell meaningful stories.
She explained that one of her earliest scripts included a disturbing scene involving inappropriate behaviour with an animal.
She said she immediately rejected it because she believed it would damage her brand and limit her chances of being taken seriously as a professional actress.
She said, “Despite being a newcomer, I was given a script that was completely wrong for me. I rejected it because I couldn’t start my career with something like that. Imagine my first-ever movie having a storyline like that.
It didn’t make sense. I knew whatever I began with would stick to my name, and I didn’t want to be remembered for something that went against my values.”
Nkechi added that although she turned down the script quickly, other young actresses rushed to accept it.
She noted that many of them were eager for any kind of role, even if it had long-term consequences for their careers.
“Immediately I dropped it, many girls picked it up,” she said. “But I’m not sure any of them are in the limelight today.”
Her decision to walk away from the script led her to an important turning point. After leaving the production venue, she met veteran filmmaker Emeka Duru.
She described the meeting as one of the most significant moments in her early career. Duru recognised her potential and encouraged her to stay focused and selective about the roles she chose.
Nkechi revealed that Emeka Duru later offered her an opportunity that changed her career path. He introduced her to respected producer Emem Isong, who eventually featured her in the film Through The Fire.
The movie became her official entry into Nollywood and opened the doors she had been waiting for. She said the experience confirmed her belief that patience and self-respect were important for anyone hoping to grow in the industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Nkechi Blessing said the early challenges taught her valuable lessons about identity, boundaries, and career choices.
She urged upcoming actors to stay true to themselves, no matter how tempting some offers might appear.
According to her, the pressure to accept any available role was high, but it was better to reject opportunities that did not align with one’s values.
She also explained that Nollywood had improved over the years, with more structured roles and better scripts, but she encouraged industry leaders to continue protecting young talents from exploitative demands.
She said newcomers needed guidance, support, and more responsible storytelling opportunities.
Nkechi Blessing’s story highlighted the hidden struggles many young actors face behind the scenes, struggles often overshadowed by fame and glamour.
Her decision to speak openly added a strong voice to ongoing conversations about ethics and professionalism in Nollywood.
Through her experience, she reminded fans and industry players that every actor’s journey came with defining moments, and the choices made in the early stages could shape the entire career.
Her courage to reject the wrong role and wait for the right one played a key part in making her one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces today.
