Veteran Nollywood actress Ini Edo has expressed heartfelt gratitude for her enduring relevance in the Nigerian film industry after two decades on screen.
In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, the award-winning actress shared how humbling — and sometimes surprising — it is to see fans still referencing the movies she starred in nearly 20 years ago. With more than 300 films to her credit, Ini Edo said it warms her heart that many of her earlier roles remain unforgettable to audiences.
“It is very humbling and equally troubling that so many people still talk about old Nollywood movies I acted in. I’ve done over 300 films, yet everyone seems stuck on something I did 20 years ago. Those stories are deeply embedded in people’s minds, far beyond what we’re doing today. That’s not to say today’s work isn’t good enough — but the nostalgia is powerful,” she said.
She noted that while today’s Nollywood productions are of great quality, they rarely replicate the strong emotional connection fans have with classics from the past. For her, the real challenge now is creating stories that will live just as long in the hearts of movie lovers.
“My challenge now is how to create things that can last another 20 years in people’s minds,” she added.
Ini Edo also spoke about the importance of staying connected to her fans and showing them appreciation. She explained that fame comes with responsibilities, including graciously accepting people’s reactions in public.
“When you choose this life, you have to understand you can’t have it all your way. You can’t be successful in the public eye and still control how people react when they see you. Some fans never imagine they’ll meet you in person — so when they do, their reactions can be sweet or sometimes overwhelming. There are places where people act like they don’t see you at all. So when someone is bold enough to appreciate you, I believe you should be open to it,” she said.
She concluded by emphasizing that mutual respect and gratitude are essential parts of being a public figure.
