Nonso Diobi has recalled how he landed his first role in the Nigerian film industry.
In an interview on Nollywood Hardcore, the film star revealed that his resemblance to veteran actress Hilda Dokubo caught her attention at an audition, leading her to suggest that he play her brother in the movie ‘Borderline’.
Diobi said he had been trying to break into the industry for three years. He added that he “attended over 1000 auditions before landing my first role”.
“In 2001, I went to a movie location where different auditions were held and I started hearing people calling me from afar. I approached,” he said.
“Before I could get close to them, Hilda Dokubo said, ‘This young boy looks like me. He can play my brother.’
“That was how I finally got my first role after three years and more than 1000 auditions. I didn’t even audition for it.
“The movie was titled ‘Borderline’, it was shot in Enugu and I had seven scenes.”
Diobi also revealed how his numerous audition experiences helped him to develop his acting skills.
“When I returned from school one day, I discovered a hotel where actors were lodged and auditions were held. So I stopped over and I realised anybody could come and be a part of what is going on and that’s how it started for me in 1998,” he added.
“I kept returning when I had a chance and found out about auditions. When I came into the industry I knew nothing so I tried to understand acting.
“So I go to several auditions not to get roles but to be corrected by the professionals because then no film school or tutorials.”
In 2023, the actor disclosed he took a break from the acting scene to acquire more knowledge.
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