Tell us about yourself
My real name is Ivy Ngatia, and I grew up in Mombasa. I was lovingly raised by my mum, after losing my dad at a tender age. I grew up with this strong personality. My mum has always encouraged me to express myself. I have a big brother and sister. Being the last born, I was mostly alone.
You are the main character in the new Kenyan telenovela, Sanura, how is it?
I act as Sanura in the new series, and I have grown to fall in love with this character. At 21, I am carrying the weight of one of the biggest productions Kenya has ever exported to the world. I would not say I was born for film, so having to play the main character in such a huge production came as a shock. Before getting into this, I was a caregiver at Avenue Healthcare, after doing my hospitality attachment in Parklands, Nairobi. Even though I had played a minor role in Pete, Sanura has changed my career perspective and increased my desire to act. Now, the film is all I want to do.
It was a bit strange relating to a father figure since I did not grow up under the care of one. I had to start relating and thinking about how it feels to have a father. In the beginning, I used to fear Eddie Kimani, who is my father in the film. However, with time he has taught me a lot. His guidance has made me strong; sometimes, it feels like he is my real father.
Why did this role come as a shock?
The character I played in Pete was minor. When I went for the Sanura auditions, I thought I would be taking a small role, thinking that the major roles would be reserved for experienced thespians. Yet here I was, everyone, watching me and cameras on me. I was nervous, I did not know what was going to happen.
Are Sanura and Ivy similar in any way?
Ivy is caring, loving, and kind, while Sanura is rebellious and always gets what she wants. The role is quite demanding when it comes to character. For example, in my entire life, I have never screamed at anyone. During the filming, there are instances when I have to cry. The role has pushed me but I always take things positively. Naturally, I am a happy girl working to meet her goals in life.
How has the role changed your life?
I am working towards having everyone fall in love with me as Sanura, and I pray that I do not disappoint. I am forced to change my lifestyle a bit to fit into this role. I have to hit the gym and eat healthy because Sanura is supposed to look young and all beautiful.
You have been away from home for almost five months and you still have more months of shooting...
As much as I miss being home, Lamu has become my new home. The crew and cast members are my family now. Also, people in Lamu are caring and I love being around them. For now, my life is all about this film.
Fame and fortune come with challenges. Are you prepared for this?
I always take things positively. I have had challenges growing up and I have always been taught to accept mistakes, acknowledge them and learn from them. Life is a process and I am ready for whatever challenges that may come my way.
Did your upbringing prepare you for this role?
Yes, of course. This goes back to the challenges that I have experienced through school and life in Nairobi, where I went to college. Personal maturity begins when you have responsibilities. When you realise that you are the role model everyone is looking up to, everything changes completely.
What is your word to young girls aspiring to act?
I would tell them that they can be anything they want if only they believe in themselves. If I have managed to have such an overnight transformation, anyone can. There is young talent out there that needs to be nurtured. This series is being run by many young actors who had never played key roles before and who, I would say, have never won any awards. The production is making a living for more than 120 crew and cast members. If we had more of such, we would be making big statements in the film industry.
