Why I chose to build my career over and above marriage – Nancy Isime

Nollywood actress, Nancy Isime, has opened up about her journey in the movie industry, shedding light on the challenges she has faced and how she deals with criticisms.

In a recent interview, Isime spoke candidly about the tendency for people to criticize anyone who is excelling in their field, especially when they are at the top of their game.

Despite the negativity, she has remained focused on her growth and continues to overcome the hurdles that come with being in the spotlight.

Isime began by speaking about the driving force behind her success, noting that her primary goal was always to work hard and achieve financial independence.

Unlike many of her peers who dreamt of marriage, she said her dreams centred around building a career and earning her own money.

She explained that this mindset has given her the resilience to navigate the industry without letting personal relationships or setbacks sway her.
The actress emphasized her strong sense of self-reliance, stating that she works hard to provide for herself.

“I can never be threatened by someone walking away from my life and losing the benefits I may have gained from that person,” she said.

Isime also addressed the inevitable scrutiny that comes with fame, noting that it’s impossible to be popular in Nollywood without having “dirt thrown on your name.”

However, she has learnt to master the art of ignoring negativity and instead focussing her energy on perfecting her craft.

For her, it’s all about maintaining a strong work ethic and staying committed to what matters.
Reflecting on her role models in the industry, Isime said she takes her work seriously because she looks up to legends like Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Johnson, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who have all set high standards for younger actors.

“These women put in a lot of work to be able to stand on the pedestal they do today,” she said.

Understanding that failure as an actress would reflect poorly on her dedication fuels Isime’s commitment to her craft.

She highlighted how Nigerians are often quick to criticize, especially when they see someone excelling in their field, but this only motivates her to keep shining.

Over the years, Isime has faced her share of controversy.

She has had to deal with public scrutiny, which has ranged from remarks about her body to romantic links with a former governor and now senator.

However, the actress has consistently chosen to remain silent, allowing the drama to fade away on its own.

One of the more sensitive issues involved a misunderstanding with the Muslim community after she posted a photo of herself in a Niqab for a movie scene.

A Muslim woman publicly called her out, claiming she was disrespecting the religion and demanding an apology.

However, Isime’s decision to remain silent helped the situation quickly fade into obscurity.