I’d like to share a kiss with Chris Attoh in a movie - Sylvya Oluchy

 Sylvya Oluchyis a rising actress who has featured in several Nollywood films. The beautiful actress whose passion for acting was ignited by her mother spoke to angeladaviesblog about her life, career and family.

What is the latest about Sylvya Oluchy?

I just returned from film school last week. I attended the Art Institute of Dallas, US. It was so fun and I learnt a lot. I’m currently working on a film project here in Abuja. I have other things lined up afterwards as well.

What ignited your passion for acting?

My mother did. I was very shy as a child and didn’t have a lot of friends. So, whenever I came home from school I would imitate all my teachers in front of my mother, mimicking each one of their voices while she would watch and smile, saying “acting suits you”. I grew up hearing this frequently and decided to go for it when the time to be admitted into the university came. So, I studied theatre arts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Which role would you say brought you to limelight?

I’m still waiting for that role. But I owe a lot to my role in the movie, Bent Arrows, where I played Idara. The role Idara was my first lead role and I won an award for it. It won me the Rising Star Award at the Nollywood Movies Award in 2012.

What do you enjoy most about acting?

As an actor, I see myself as a doctor. Medical doctors heal the physical body; actors heal the mood and mind. I am a “feel good” doctor and that’s what I love most. Making people forget their problems and escape into another world for a short period of time. Making people laugh at the same time passing across moral messages through acting. Actors build optimism and positivity.

What stands you out as an actor?

I take my craft seriously. I always try to up my game by learning new skills often. But I don’t think this is a question for me to answer. People who have watched any of my movies will be in a better place to respond to this accurately.

If not acting what would you do?

I would be an architect. I love architecture. It’s a testament to humans on this earth. There are buildings that are more than a thousand year old and still standing. Now that’s what I call leaving a legacy behind.

 What would you say has been your greatest disappointment in the industry?

 That would be being robbed be fore our very eyes through piracy. Our hard work is not as financially rewarding as it should be. It’s so disheartening and annoying.

You are a beautiful young woman. How do you cope with men’s advances?

That is part of life, it’s a normal thing. I handle it just like the next girl would.

What kind of man would you like to spend the rest of your life with?

I like nerds. I favour intelligence over any other quality. I also like men who work out and keep their bodies fit. I’m not really into facial looks of a guy, it doesn’t matter how he looks. His mind and body does it for me. I also like men who believe in God and have a sense of humour.

How do you handle difficult days?

I repeat to myself “smiles only, be simply optimistic”. Then I watch a funny movie and laugh my head off till I feel better.

What kinds of outfit do you love to wear?

I love wearing dresses over skirts and trousers. I like fitted clothes with bright colours. I also like to imbibe a bit of African flavour into my dressing either with ankara prints or wearing my hair natural.

What is that part of your body you would flaunt without thinking twice?

I will say my smile. I love to smile. I always joke that my initials “SO” stands for ‘Smiles Only’ and ‘Simply Optimistic.’

What would you say is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Craziest thing I ever did? Sorry, I’m taking that one to my grave.

What is the most awkward thing you have heard about yourself?

The most awkward thing I have heard about myself is that I have a child and I’m not married to the father.

Where is your favourite travel spot?

I don’t have one. I prefer switching things up. I’m not a creature of habit.

Who is that one actor you would like to kiss in movie?

No one comes to mind but Chris Attoh, I guess.

Have you had any setbacks in your career so far?

Setback is a relative word. It depends on how you take challenges thrown at you. Every disappointment is a chance to improve one’s craft and networking ability. The industry is opening up. Things are changing and we grow with the changes.

What would you like to own that you don’t currently possess?

I would like to own my own house.

You started 2014 with photo shoots in bikini. Does that mean you can act nude if the pay is right?

I’ve never done it before. If I am approached to do it, I will make my decision based on the script and director.

What’s your most expensive accessory?

It’s a set of gold accessories.