Nollywood actor and producer, Emelu Simon Chibuzor, has refuted allegations that filmmakers pressure aspiring actresses into undergoing cosmetic procedures to secure movie roles and gain popularity in the industry.
The claim has continued to generate debate amid the growing presence of physically attractive actresses on screen.
However, Chibuzor argued that the trend is driven more by a quest for fame and a perceived shortcut to success than by demands from directors or producers. According to him, genuine talent remains the key factor for longevity in the profession.
“Any actress who decides to go under the knife just to earn movie roles doesn’t know what she’s doing,” he said. “If you are good, you are good, despite your looks.”
The actor and talent developer, who is credited with discovering several Nollywood stars, including Zubby Michael, pointed to a number of successful actresses who rose to prominence in Nigeria and internationally without resorting to cosmetic enhancement.
Chibuzor maintained that body enhancement has become an excuse for individuals who have already chosen a particular path in pursuit of fame within the entertainment industry.
The filmmaker also reflected on a major career achievement from last year when he was honoured with the Outstanding Movie Personality Award at AFRICUFF in Houston, USA, in recognition of his contributions to African cinema.
Describing the recognition as a significant milestone, Chibuzor said the award has inspired him to push harder and remain committed to producing impactful films.
“The award means a lot to me because it showed that my efforts over the years have not gone unnoticed. It has also given me the zeal to work harder and always try to beat my old records,” Chibuzor said.
In line with that commitment, the actor is preparing to release his latest film, “Dr Richael,” across multiple streaming platforms. The movie focuses on the dangers of peer pressure among children and teenagers, while highlighting the need for parents to pay closer attention to the challenges young people face.
He urged parents to remain vigilant, particularly when raising girls, so they can quickly identify signs that something may be going wrong and provide timely guidance.
