Stella Damasus Aboderin is an epitome of beauty. Though married, she is still one of the most ‘toasted’ Nollywood gals. She was recently cornered by Tope Olukole at a function in Lagos. Excerpts:

Can you tell us how you came into acting?
When we were growing up, I used to sing with the junior choir in church and whenever they wanted to do anything artistic in my school – drama, singing, drawing – there was this friend of mine that would tell me to go for it and I followed her instructions obediently. She used to be an opera singer and also a stage actress then.

So, when I was growing up, she made me sing along songs by Bonny M, Abba etc whenever their tapes were played. I would hold an electric kettle cord as my microphone displaying in front of a mirror. Today, the rest is history.

You must be exceptionally talented to have been able to combine singing, dancing and acting.
I think it’s because I have been doing it right from my childhood. It’s like it has become a part of me and I hardly find it difficult doing it. My education too really helped me. And, of course, Jaiye and God are just the brain behind it all.

Whom would you refer to as your mentor?
Jack Nicholson and Cicely Tyson. They are fantastic people and I learn a lot from them.

Would you encourage your children to go into entertainment?
Isabel, my second daughter, seems to be walking towards that path; unlike her sister, Angelica, who rather likes things technical – like the computer, cables, phones etc.