Dedication Has Sustained My Nollywood Career, Not My Beauty – Imade Osawaru

Nollywood actress Imade Osawaru has said that beauty cannot sustain a career in the Nigerian movie industry. She recently spoke about the role of physical appearance in casting, and fans have been reacting.

Speaking with Saturday Beats, Imade shared that while she is grateful for the compliments she keeps getting for her looks, talent is the reason she has stayed relevant.

According to her, it is true that beauty can get you one or two Nollywood roles, but actors should be ready for many other projects that will focus on their acting skills, emotional depth and versatility.

Imade stated that not every casting will be based on surface qualities.

“I’m grateful for the compliments I get about my appearance, but what has truly sustained me in this industry is my dedication to the craft.

Looks might open a door, but talent is what keeps you in the room. I’ve earned roles through auditions where appearance wasn’t the deciding factor; it came down to emotional depth, versatility, and how well I could bring a character to life.

Some people believe casting is mostly based on surface qualities, and they’re not entirely wrong. But, I don’t let that distract me. I focus on growth, taking roles that challenge me, investing in training, and staying true to my purpose as an actress. For me, beauty is a bonus, and talent is the foundation,” she said.

On social media popularity influencing casting in Nollywood, the movie star emphasised that follower count online can sometimes weigh more than talent when it comes to casting.

Imade concluded by saying that no amount of social media visibility should replace an authentic acting performance that will dazzle an audience.

“There’s no denying that social media plays a huge role in casting these days, especially for lead roles. Producers often want faces that bring instant visibility and engagement online. I’ve seen cases where follower count seemed to weigh more than talent or experience.

I’ve also been in situations where it felt like my skill set or track record was overlooked because someone else had more online presence. But I believe talent still speaks volumes. The real test comes when the cameras start rolling. No amount of followers can replace a powerful, authentic performance that truly moves an audience. So while I respect the evolving dynamics of the industry, I stay committed to honing my craft and letting my work speak for itself,” she added.