By Ekerete Udoh
She is bold, expressive and frank – sometimes brutally so. She speaks her mind – often times in a manner that may be considered politically incorrect or in such a manner that may rankle a few nerves.
A case in point is the kerfuffle she dropped last month when she was credited to have said that most married actresses in Nollywood sleep around like dogs – a statement she later stated was quoted out of context by a writer who has an ax to grind with her.
Those who know sexy Cross River born actress and producer – Shan George will tell you she is the sweetest and nicest person any one can hope to have as a friend, but who often times, is highly misunderstood. Having been one of the most enduring faces in the industry, with film credits in dozens, she recently took her talents into the world of production. Her eagerly anticipated directorial debut of her movie “Finding Goodluck” which was premiered in Lagos in May 2012 was a roaring success. The premier which was attended by Nollywood A-List stars as well as the Nigerian Jet-set and glitterati class saw fans applauding her skills as a producer and actress.
In the film, Shan acted the role of a diligent inspector and also parades other notable Nollywood stars such as Kalu Ikeagwu who played the role of the governor of the state under siege and whose son – Goodluck had been kidnapped, Franca Anaka, Ekere Nkanga and others.
‘Finding Goodluck’ is a film were the forces of good are arrayed against those of evil. There is a general air of insecurity in an imaginary state, and residents are being exposed to all manner of criminal activities, including robbery, kidnapping and the police appears to have been compromised. There seems to be some collusion between the political class and the law enforcement agencies in the perpetration of the crimes. The good cops led by an Inspector played by Shan George are determined to rid the state of the menace that these criminals present, which among others will be to rescue the son of the governor who had been kidnapped.
Asked why she did a crime movie with a politics theme, Shan said “I am an unapologetic supporter of the Nigerian police and also a keen observer of our political terrains. Even though Nigerians do not generally rate the police well, even though they seem to see the force as being corrupt, I think given the challenges they daily face in order to keep us safe, I think they deserve our love and understanding. Even though there are a few rotten elements within the force, I think the majority of the officers and men of the force are decent and patriotic Nigerians. The film celebrates those heroes, who daily put their lives on the line to fight criminals, who sometimes may be better equipped than these good men. I also think that though there are some politicians who are not motivated by the desire to do good, and regard politics as blood sport, there are those who have used their offices to do good.”
Shan also condemned in a strong terms the recent news that circulated on line that she was photograph nude. “I am really disappointed by the level of ignorance of some people in today’s world. I mean how low can they get? I went out with some friends of mine to mark my birthday and we were all dressed in swim suit-bikinis. There was no indecent exposure – we were just having fun. The pictures are all on the net. Yet someone after seeing the pictures – went and wrote that I was photographed nude. Can you imagine that? I can’t imagine if the writer cannot recognize someone wearing a swimming trunk and a naked picture. It is very annoying. I have morals and I would never pose nude – not for a million dollars. You know what I have come to see that in this industry: there are some people who are haters and instead of applauding your efforts, would rather take delight in painting you in colors that do not represent who you are. But I am glad that the majority of my fans worldwide know who I am.”
Recently too, a picture of Shan was posted on line where she was seen seemingly cavorting with the top Chelsea soccer star – Mikel Obi, leading to the speculation that she and Mikel were dating.
When asked, Shan was incredulous “This is really getting crazy. So I can’t even have a drink with someone, just innocently, without being linked romantically with the person? Mikel Obi is a talented soccer player whose skills I appreciate. I am his big fan and when they won the Champions Cup last May, I was over the moon with excitement for him and his team mates. We met and had a drink in Lagos recently and that was that! Nothing romantic happened between us. I am not dating Mikel Obi and I hope some of these traffickers of lies can go have themselves some life.”
“Finding Goodluck” – an action-packed movie which those who saw it already have given excellent reviews will be released soon in America by Executive Image movies.
The movie won a total of eight awards at the Cross River Movie Awards held penultimate week in Calabar.
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