Expdonaloaded News; Crazy things I did as kid –Chigozie Atuanya, actor

Award winning actor, Chigozie Atuanya is bereaved and in a mourning mood. Recently, he lost someone so special to him to the cold hands of death. But in this interview, the thespian looks at the brighter side of life as he opens up on his career, family and other experiences.
Excerpts:
It’s been a while now, how has life been?
We give God the glory, but I am still in mourning mood, as you can see from my look and the sound of my voice. I have been travelling from one place to another, especially in the East, preparing for my father’s burial. Now, I am in Abuja for the same reason. Of course, my in-laws live in Abuja, including my relatives.
How are you coping with his demise?
Honestly, it has not been easy at all. Actually, he died on February 5, 2015. My family, close relatives and friends are still in shock that such a humble man has passed on. My father had supported me immensely; we travelled together to my father-in-law’s village when he lost his sister. He accompanied me together with my relatives, as traditions demand to play our parts as in-laws. The way my father danced that fateful day, you wouldn’t believe his life could be cut short. However, my father’s death has really devastated me. But I can’t question God for taking away my precious jewel.
How close were you to your father?
Honestly, he is not just a father to me, but my best friend. We shared a lot together, we always confided in each other. He is my confidant and a jolly good fellow. My father gave us his best to make life meaningful for us. And I am very grateful to God for being able to put smiles on his face. Naturally, every parent expects their children to reciprocate the undying love they showed to their kids. So, I am grateful to God that I didn’t disappoint my father.
Is there anything you wish you could do for him if he was still alive?
We had an unusual conversation on December 29, 2014. We talked about my project and he was elated. He asked me to kneel down for prayers, he prayed and blessed me more than ever before. He also gave me a word of advice and blessed my family. I thank God he witnessed the development of my project before his death. Though, it would have been a big testimony to have my father see it to completion.
How has the death of your father affected your life now?
I am still in deep shock knowing it’s for real, after my father’s corpse was deposited in the mortuary. You don’t really understand the trauma people who lost their loved ones go through until you wear their shoes. It’s sad experiencing the pains of death. My father was very strong; it’s hard to believe he could die so soon. At 77, we still played football together. We were hoping and praying he would live up to 90 something years, but God knows the best. We will always miss his incomparable love. My father loved my wife like her biological daughter. Anytime he came for his medical check up with my mother, he brought so much sunshine into the home. It’s so painful loosing him when we needed his love most. We pray God gives our mother the fortitude to bear the loss. However, late Elder Dominic Nonyelum Atuanya (Nnabuenyi) will be buried at his compound in Akamkpisi Agbani Village, Nri, Aniocha LGA, Anambra State on Thursday, August 27, 2015.
Men hardly cry, so did your father’s death make you cry?
Honestly, I cried like a baby the day my father died. I will miss his smiles and care for humanity. He lived a life worthy of emulation.
What are the lessons learnt from your father?
He taught us to be upright in everything we do in life, which he said we would also pass onto our children. In fact, my father was my role model.
Could you share a bit of your growing up experiences?
We lived in Aba, Abia State where I grew up. I had a wonderful childhood. I was a different person from my childhood to the man I have become. I had a very innocent look as a child, which made my character unpredictable. Honestly, there were some crazy things I did as a child. But I give God all the glory for making me a better person.
How many are you in the family?
We were supposed to be six boys and a girl, but my sister and brother died. My only sister died at the age of 15. Though, I was older than her, death took her away from us at her prime. It’s so painful losing my only sister, my second mother and dearest one. In fact, whenever I remember her, my heart bleeds. She was a very beautiful girl; her adulthood would have been wonderful. I always feel bad looking at our childhood pictures, knowing that our only sister in the family has gone to the world beyond. I loved my sister unconditionally, which is the reason behind my special respect for women.
How did she die?
She was sick, but we never envisaged losing her.
Last year, you won an award in the United States of America, which award was it?
I won the Best Indigenous Movie of the Year award with the movie, Chetanna at the 2014 Golden Icon Awards (GIAMA), which was held in Houston, Texas. The category was competitive; I was nervous and full of expectations. Eventually, when they announced my name as the winner, my heart was filled with immeasurable joy. Chetanna was the first Igbo movie to be premiered in the United States, in the history of filmmaking in Nigeria. I will always appreciate the organisers of GIAMA Awards for this honour and encouragement.
Was it your first production?
I had shot a movie in my early days entitled, Double Slap. It was really challenging as a fresher in the business. But it was a lesson that actually guided me into my second movie, Chetanna. I didn’t find it easy because I fell terribly sick on set. People encouraged me to call off the shooting, but I couldn’t imagine doing so, after all the sacrifices and risks travelling to Enugu for filming. However, God gave me the strength to continue the production because I was shuttling between hospital and location to make sure it was a success.
What is your most remarkable experience as an actor?
Honestly, I wouldn’t forget in a hurry falling sick on the set of Chetanna, which was due to stress because I was always moving from one place to another. And I must appreciate the love my colleagues and friends showered on me.
What actually inspired the story, does it have anything to do with your life experiences?
Chetanna in Igbo means ‘remember your father or God who created you’. It’s part of my dedication to my late father for rearing me to become a responsible man. Chetanna is a true-life story but the spirit of projecting culture and tradition actually inspired me into producing an indigenous movie.
There were speculations that marriage might take you away from acting, so how were you able to cope?
I cannot slow down in my career because of marriage. Though, my family is my world and my wife has been very supportive of my career, I will always appreciate her love.
How do you handle your female fans?
I take all of them as one. It’s important to carry people along with humility.
What is your message to young and aspiring actors?
They should be optimistic and focussed. Also, don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by anyone, because you are very special in the sight of God. So, pursue your dreams.