can’t stand short men — Bimbo Thomas

 Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas has been in the
movie industry for quite a while, but she shot into
the limelight when she appeared in Funke Akindele’s
popular movie, ‘Omo Ghetto.’ In this chat with
Potpourri, she speaks on the early days of her career,
her wine store, among other issues. Excerpts…
Can you trace your genesis in the movie industry?
I can remember it was during my undergraduate
days at the University of Lagos studying Creative Arts.
When I was in 100 Level, I met Tayo Odueke (Sikirat
Sindodo), and she was already in the industry at that
time. She noticed that I was doing well when it comes
to projects and practicals in school. She then
suggested that I should come into the movie industry
since I have all it takes in terms of charisma and
every other thing. It took me a while to decide
though. Later on, I met with Lanre Abbey and he
introduced me to the Odunfa Caucus under the
tutelage of Yinka Quadri.
Which of the movies you’ve acted in will you say gave
your big break?
I’ll say ‘Omo Ghetto.’
Which is the most challenging role you’ve played in a
movie?
Playing Nikky in Omo Ghetto was challenging. I had
never broken a bottle before in my life, and I had
also never been involved in a street fight, but I had
to do all that in the movie. I put in my all and the
character stuck. It took me some time to get that
character out of my head.
Are you comfortable with your size, or would you like
to change anything about it?
I’m okay. Right now, I’m even on a diet program
trying to shed some weight. I know that I don’t want
to go beyond this size because there are some sizes
that are not good enough for a babe. And for a
woman that has not started making babies, I should
watch it if I don’t want to go way overboard.
It was reported that your wine store cost N42m, is it
true, and what informed your setting up of the store?
This store, Bimbally, isn’t what I thought will come
into place now. But the love for collecting wines,
beauty and nature have always been in me. One
day, I just thought of it that I haven’t really been
working for a while now because I’m selective of the
scripts I accept because I noticed that I was being
stereotyped. I knew I needed a brand extension, and
I thought of establishing a clothing line which I’m still
going to do anyway, and a wine store. And the rest as
they say, is history. The plan is to expand and have
branches all over as time goes on.