My dream is to be fighter pilot – Coker

Weekend Magazine: Your self confidence is almost intimidating. Do you make a conscious effort to project it or does it come naturally? Kunle Coker: Well it’s a combination of both, conscious effort in the sense of trying to play the character and give it life and meaning as the story demands of the character; and […]

Weekend Magazine: Your self confidence is almost intimidating. Do you make a conscious effort to project it or does it come naturally?

Kunle Coker: Well it’s a combination of both, conscious effort in the sense of trying to play the character and give it life and meaning as the story demands of the character; and natural in the delivery having understood what the character is all about to make the story believable, that’s on the job though, but in real life am naturally a calm person, because I believe God has got my back.

How do you manage to convey so much realism in your characters?

Again as an actor, you need to understand very well the character that you are asked to play as described by what we call the character Bible. It simply tells you who the character you are playing is. once I assimilate that, I go into my mental archives  to fetch how I can best play the character, which I relate to my director. Once it is okay with him/her; and the action is called, I just switch from me to the character and do my thing shikenan!

Many actors/actresses feel the need to try their hands on movie production. Is that something we see you doing soon?

All actors have different expectations of themselves at the beginning of their acting careers, some to be in front of the camera all through their career as actors while some have time lag for acting before becoming a producer as it were. Either way, I want to believe it is all about the passion. Yes I have produced and will still continue to produce, but will passionately remain an actor to fulfill all righteousness.

You have been famous for a long time. What is the worse impact it has had on your personality?

Well, it’s kind of hard to say, because it’s usually a mix of the good and the bad, But when you say the worst … hmm….let’s see now. I guess not being able to do the normal ordinary things like eating in a local bukka without attracting attention, because sometimes you just want to be you but you can’t. Fame does come with its prize I would say.

You have come a long way in the entertainment industry, would you say you have reached your break through. If yes, when was it?

Am yet to reach my breakthrough, because there is so much I want to not just achieve for myself and family as far as the entertainment industry is concerned, I want to give a lot back to the society that has helped mold me into what I am today. In that regards, there is still a lot to be done.

How far would you go in your quest for fame?

Quest for fame, wow! Personally I did not go searching for fame. I am just passionate about what I do and I try to do it well and maybe because of consistency over time, fame found me and am grateful to God for that and all that He has done for me. Having said that I will not kill for fame, I will rather work hard for it, if I most achieve a desired goal

What do you think of today’s trend in the entertainment industry?

I would say the trend in the quest for fame in our industry is usually described out of context. That does not mean that every art person you see or hear about has been debased one way or another just to get fam. A lot are actually as a result of hard work driven by passion and for those who want fame by all means and involve themselves with thing other than passion, the fame only fades away after some time

Do you think the Nigerian movies represent the true Nigerian identity?

I would say yes and no. Yes in the sense that the general vices portrayed in our movies as it relates to Nigeria is meant to bring to our consciousness the need to change those negative things that we do as a people for a positive identity for the nation. No, because there are still more we need to do through our movies to put Nigeria in positive mindset of people around the world.  The Nigerian identity of hard work needs to be portrayed more.

In your career, do you regret having turned down some roles in the past?

I can’t remember regretting a role rejection. Once I decide not to play a role it ends there

Tell us more about your typical day?

My typical days are not very consistent. I operate according to schedule planned out for me by production and if there is no schedule form production I follow my own schedule of what to be done for that day. All the days usually start with a prayer and equally end with one too.

You have worked with many movie personalities. Who do you always look forward to working with?

All the actors I have worked with are all unique in their own way. They all appeal to me in different ways depending on shoot mode or situations. All in all we all try to make the art look and feel good.

What else would you have been doing if you were not into entertainment?

I would have loved to be a fighter jet pilot. It’s one of the dreams I had as a boy. I just love the speed at which it flies. Who knows I just might be able to own a small plane just to fulfill a desire. So people don’t feel bad if my fees are high, I need to get a plane. (Laughing)

What would you like to share with your fans?

I would like to say thank to my teaming fans for their support and prayers. I pray God to bless them equally in their various endeavors.