Nollywood star Funke Akindele has revealed the emotional struggles she faces privately despite her success and cheerful public image.
The actress admitted that she sometimes locks herself away to cry before finding the strength to continue with her life.
In an interview with CNN Africa journalist Larry Madowo, Funke Akindele shared how she handles difficult moments and the pressure of public judgment.
“I cry. I lock myself in the room, cry, break down, hit the bed. But I just pick myself and come back to life,” she said.
The filmmaker also discussed the pressure surrounding her personal life, particularly public conversations about her marriages and breakups.
She admitted that people’s opinions sometimes make her question her decisions and worry about how others perceive her.
“Sometimes I tell myself, ah, you’ve made a mistake again. How are people going to judge you?” she said.
However, Akindele explained that she has learnt to face challenges instead of allowing public opinion to control her life.
“Why don’t I just brace up, face it, face the challenges, move on in life, make yourself happy, do what is right?” she asked.
Her comments offer a glimpse into the personal difficulties that can exist behind the success of a public figure.
Akindele stressed that protecting her mental health has become an important part of her life.
“You have to consider your mental health first, and that’s what I’ve done over the years, and it has helped me,” she said.
She also acknowledged that her strong commitment to work has sometimes affected her personal life and appearance.
“I was all about work, I’m still about work, but it’s so hard,” she said.
The actress explained that she is now making more deliberate efforts to care for herself and regain her confidence.
“I’m kind of trying to catch my groove back. I am trying to get back. Now I’m more intentional about myself, making my hair, looking good,” she said.
She further reminded people that professional success should not replace time spent with family and loved ones.
“You need to take care of yourself, you need to love yourself, you need to have time for your family, your loved ones, because work will go, the family will be there,” she said.
Akindele remains one of Nollywood’s prominent filmmakers, widely recognised for her popular Jenifacomedy franchise.
Even the greats have their down moments. What differentiates them from the common is they don’t drown and lay down but rise up to face the music