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Daniel K Daniel Speaks on Career and 'Lions of 76'

"The "Old Nollywood" feeds the masses "- Daniel K Daniel

The award winning actor and model, Daniel K Daniel was a guest at the Pulse TV studio where he spoke about his acting career, Relationship status, segregation in Nollywood, the anticipated 'Lions of 76', and many other interesting topics.

The Enugu State born actor has featured in movies like Mummy Dearest', 'Lions of 76', A Long Night', 'Almost Perfect' and many others.

What Was Growing Up Like?

It was like every other family, I grew up in a family of 6. It is a very strongly knit family, with the exception of my dad. So, I am like the Daddy of the family.

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How Did You Begin Your Journey Into The Acting Industry?

I started as a model because originally, I never originally wanted to become an actor (apologies to my fan). I wanted to be a pilot, but at the age of 16, I was diagnosed with myopia (short sightedness). I was told that I could only be an instructor pilot.

That took away the excitement, which for me was flying up in the air and controlling those big machines. I drifted into sciences and went to study Applied Biochemistry.

And then I started doing a bit of modelling. Growing up I was not excited by Nigerian movies because most of the movies produced back then were occult and fetish and I found them terrifying.

Ironically, My dad used to let them film in our house.  One day, I followed my friends, Steiner Eunice Opara and Tilla Ben to go see a director.

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The director called me to read a script, he loved my looks and diction and my name. He got me to join the cast, the rest they say is history.

How Has Your Four Years Journey in the Industry Been?

The journey has been exhilarating, I feel blessed. It has been a learning process. Am very grateful for the opportunities and the grace.

Lions of 76

Lions of 76 is one of a kind. It's one of the most anticipated movies in the Nollywood industry and Africa. The movie has received lots of high reviews and it is not even out.

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As at the time we were filming, we exceeded 200 million Naira, so it is a massive project. The movie will be premiered in Nigeria and all other countries.

We were on set for 6 months and the daily expenses was up to  million. For the first 3 months, we went through training, we went to the barracks every morning to mix with the solders, and learn how to act and speak like soilders.

I thank the producer, Adonai Owiriwah, and director Izu Ojukwu for having me in that project, for being a brother, a friend and a teacher.

I am very proud of the project.

Most Outrageous Rumour

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(Laughs) Luckily for me, I am not a scandalous person. O! I remember the first time Tonto Dike released her song, People started saying "Why did you let her sing, you are supposed to be her boyfriend".  We just laughed over it because we were just friends.

How Do You Handle Your Critics?

Personally, I like critics. Yes, they can be brutal sometimes but the truth is that the feedback from the fans means am doing a great job.

Critics would tell you the truth, there is something called constructive criticism.  I take the negative things I hear about myself and I check myself.

It also gives me something to think about and then work on myself to get better.

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Who is Your Celebrity Crush?

(Laughs) I don't have a celebrity crush. I love Angelina Jollie. I like Dakore Egbuson Akande, she is a very good actress, nice diction and I like her carriage.

Relaxation After Work

I love to play games. Relaxation for me is when I can come back to the hotel or home, kick off my shoes and get my play station on.

What Would You Love to Change About Nollywood?

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Piracy, it is something I would love to stamp out to the barest minimum. Piracy is one of the reasons why some producers delay in releasing movies.

There is also investment in the industry. It would be great to have more investors so we can make bigger and better movies.

Also laxity to work. Sometimes most of us come to the set very late, am sure most directors can relate to that.

Is there Any Form of Segregation in Nollywood?

I honestly believe that both sides can't do without the other. The "New Nollywood " can't do without the "Old Nollywood" because that is where it came from.

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Also, the "Old Nollywood" feeds the masses. I don't even think that they should be any form of divide.  I have worked for the two 'divides' and I believe that we have movies from the 'New Nollywood' divide without depth and quality acting too.

Is Daniel K Daniel Single, Engaged or Married?

He is not married, not engaged and he is not searching.

Five New Thing About Daniel.

I am single.

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I am not a Ghanaian as most people think.

I love Uha and Vegetable soup.

I love the colour Purple.

Who is Your Ideal Woman?

I love smart women with great sense of humour. Someone that  gets me, even when I'm not speaking.

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Someone who is very NEAT. Confident and must be God fearing, if not my mum will chase both of us out.

Watch video.

Mummy Dearest trailer

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