BritAIN-based Nigerian model/actress, Beverly Naya, is eyeing Nollywood. Beverley, who has modeled and acted extensively in the UK, shared her dreams with Stardom.
“I live in London and I’ve been modeling since I was 17. I come home to Nigeria when-ever I am on holidays,” said the curvy 21 year-old native of Ibuzo, Delta State, who is currently studying movie directing and script-writing in the UK.
Disclosing the reasons she relocated to Nigeria, she said: “I have lived in London and America all my life and there’s nothing exciting anymore. London doesn’t appeal or challenge me anymore. It’s just boring. I want something new and exciting. That’s why I’m coming home to Nollywood. I want to be the best I can. Nothing happens overnight. But I am ready to start something and see where it gets me.”
Beverley discovered she could act at a tender age and she got the support of her parents. Ever since, she has never looked back. From the age of 17, she studied acting at A Levels and was top of her class. Now she’s studyimg movie directing and script-writing at degree level.
“That’s when I realised that I had this gift,” she said, recounting her first role. “I was always in denial until my family came and saw me act and encouraged me. I didn’t believe I had the talent. Since then, I’ve been pursuing acting but as a back-up plan, I’m studying directing and editing.
Already, she has landed her first lead role in Lancelot Imasuen’s new movie, Home in Exile.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity to showcase the stuff I’m made off. I’m playing the female lead in the movie and it’s a very challenging role for me. Cameras should start rolling in the next quarter of this year.”
However, as she makes her debut in Nollywood, she is also wary of serotonin-driven movie producers and directors who might want to roll in the hay with her.
“My fears revolve around professionalism. My fear is that a director or producer would demean himself in order for me to be in his film. I am careful about the way I carry myself. I wouldn’t want to be in the predicament of losing a contract because someone lacks professionalism. I handle myself with dignity. I am careful the way I present myself and it’s certainly not in a way that would make a guy disrespect me. I know I’m a beautiful woman and men would always come. So I try to be polite.”
According to Beverley, who says her favorite Nollywood star is Omoni Oboli, Nigerian home videos are hot in the UK and Nigerian celebrities are equally popular.
As a model, she’s done stuff for Etisalat and Samsung and is currently working on a project for Nestle Africa. She has acted in movies and done theatre. She played lead on a Ben TV programme called, Dynamite and a documentry called, The American Dream, which won her the Prince’s Trust Award. She was also on the cover of Reveal magazine with MO’ Hits sign-on, Wande Coal.
What makes her tick? “As a model, I try to be different. I try to be sexy and classy at the same time and for me, it is a great challenge.”
Dreams
“I don’t believe in dreams. I believe in goals and my goals are to be successful, become an inspiration for others who aspire to be the best. I want to be a high achiever and an entrepreneur.”
On her love life, she says: “I am married to my career.”
