Kalu Ikeagwu says he will never act in films his mother can’t watch, stressing that message and values matter more than money or fame

Kalu Ikeagwu has revealed that his late father’s discipline and his mother’s influence continue to shape his career decisions, adding that he would never appear in a movie his mother cannot comfortably watch.

Also read: Segun Arinze Laments Loss of Originality in Nollywood

In a recent interview, the seasoned Nollywood actor explained that he chooses scripts based on their moral message rather than financial incentives or star power.

According to him, every film should inform, educate, and entertain while maintaining integrity and cultural values.

He recalled a humorous yet defining moment when he once watched one of his movies with his mother and brothers  a scene with a kiss caught him off guard, making him deeply uncomfortable.

“I completely forgot that scene was in the movie,” he said. “As it started, I just began sweating and retreating. My brothers were laughing, and I thought, I’m not a small boy anymore; why am I so nervous? That was the day I decided I’d never appear in a film my mother can’t watch.”

The actor emphasised that the lessons from his upbringing have never left him. “My dad is late, but my mum remains a major inspiration,” he added. “No matter how big the budget, if the message isn’t right, I’ll turn it down.”

**On breaking away from his calm persona**

While Ikeagwu is best known for his calm and family-friendly roles, he said he enjoys the challenge of playing complex or darker characters.

He pointed to his role in Cheta’M, where he played three characters possessed by different spirits. “It was fun,” he said. “I like playing bad guys sometimes. It was outside my scope and very energetic, which made it exciting.”

**How his global upbringing shaped him**

The British-born, Zambian-raised actor revealed that growing up in different countries broadened his worldview but never separated him from his roots.

“My dad banned English in our house,” he said. “He made sure we spoke Igbo at home. That grounding made me both a village man and a cosmopolitan one. It helps me adapt to any role.”

He added that if he hadn’t pursued acting, he would have become a teacher like his father or a writer, noting that storytelling is his passion.

**On Nollywood’s evolution**

Reflecting on the growth of Nollywood, Ikeagwu credited the industry’s global success to self-confidence and authenticity.

“My favourite Nigerian movies are from the ’90s and early 2000s because they told our stories genuinely,” he said.

“Those stories connected Africans everywhere they made black people abroad feel they hadn’t lost their culture.”

However, he lamented that modern productions sometimes prioritise visual quality over storytelling. “There’s a resurgence of authentic African stories now, just like our music,” he added. “We’re beginning to tell our stories again, for us and by us.”

**On dancing to promote films**

Known for his calm and intellectual persona, Ikeagwu confessed that he’s a *terrible dancer* but would still dance if it helps promote his film.

“I once danced because Mary Lazarus made me,” he laughed. “I can’t dance to save my life. But if it’s my film, I’ll dance — terribly but proudly.”

He added that Nigerians’ ability to celebrate themselves is part of what keeps the country’s spirit alive. “We’re like the Agama lizard,” he said. “If no one praises us, we’ll praise ourselves. If dancing promotes our films, so be it.”

**A man of principle and purpose**

For Kalu Ikeagwu, acting is not just a craft but a reflection of values. His calm demeanour, combined with deep moral conviction, continues to distinguish him in the evolving landscape of Nollywood.

Also read: Diva Gold Nollywood Actress Speaks on Love, Career

With a career spanning decades, his message remains consistent storytelling should uplift, not embarrass, the family or the culture it represents.