nollywood actress, Nelson Bunmihas expressed regret for turning down the opportunity to work with actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele years ago.
Reflecting on his career, Nelson admitted that he did not recognize Akindele’s potential at the time and warned against underestimating people.
“I didn’t see Funke go very far. So in life, don’t underestimate anyone. Don’t look down on anyone except when you’re admiring their laces.”
He added: “If I had known Funke would go this far, I would have hugged her tight because now I can’t even see her back.”
According to Nelson, he met Akindele through a mutual friend, after which Akindele introduced him to Odunfa. At the time, Nelson provided houses as filming locations and had worked with people in the film industry.
She said Akindele later approached her for a location and encouraged her several times to join the Yoruba film industry. However, Nelson said he did not take the actress’ calls and offers seriously.
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Looking back, he described the missed opportunity as something he regrets, noting that the incident occurred around 2006 or 2007, when the industry was not as crowded as it is today.
Nelson said rumors he had heard about the Yoruba film industry also influenced his decision. She recalled being concerned about expectations around respect and hierarchy in the industry.
“I lost that great opportunity because Funke told me then: ‘Ah, why don’t you come?’”
“I was telling him, ‘I’ve heard a lot about the Yoruba industry. They’ll say you should say aunty. They’ll say you should kneel. Then a person will tell you you should carry a bag!’
Nelson said he later realized he had formed an opinion based on what he had heard and not his own experience.
He said the experience taught him the importance of humility and not putting others down.
“That’s why it’s necessary to humble yourself in life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned now in life, it’s humility.”
Nelson also apologized to Kunle Afod, Sodiq Adebayo and Funke Akindele for the missed opportunity and asked for another chance to work with Akindele.
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