Thelma Osatohanmwen

In a recent interview with TVC, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, a seasoned actress with an illustrious career, has taken a bold stance on actors who avoid kissing roles, stating that such individuals lack genuine talent.

The 82-year-old emphasized that acting is about truly believing in the character and not letting personal preferences interfere when portraying a role.

Ajai-Lycett, known for her impactful contributions to Nollywood, futher revealed that genuine actors go beyond mere play-acting.

She expressed her disagreement with those who resist on-screen kisses, stating, “Acting is believing; we are projecting life.”

According to her, bringing personal preferences into acting means one is not truly an actor but is merely play-acting.

The seasoned actress highlighted the distinction between play-acting and genuine acting, emphasizing that actors should immerse themselves in roles without moralizing about the characters they portray.

She shared examples of individuals who resist on-screen kisses due to personal preferences, challenging their authenticity as actors.

Having made her acting debut in Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Lion and the Jewel’ in 1966 at the Royal Court Theatre in London, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Her return to Nigeria in 1971 marked the beginning of a prolific career in Nollywood, earning her recognition through awards and honours for her remarkable contributions to the film industry.