Nollywood actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has revealed that he prays before filming romantic scenes, saying his faith keeps him grounded amid the challenges of the movie industry.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, the actor explained that before shooting any intimate scene, he seeks divine guidance and views the process as part of his worship.
“I get all my inspiration from God,” Etim-Effiong said. “I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.”
The Summer Rain star, who faced public criticism for his viral kissing scene with actress Bolaji Ogunmola, clarified that his focus remains on storytelling rather than controversy.
“The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles means I get to have kissing scenes sometimes. But the question should go to the producers why are they expressing affection only one way? There are other ways to show intimacy,” he stated.
Etim-Effiong, 37, who left a successful engineering career to pursue acting, said his choice was guided by purpose and faith.
“My family is my garden, then my work. Acting feels like a calling to me a way to worship through storytelling,” he said.
The actor also noted that many Nollywood scripts emphasize passionate romance because of audience demand.
“The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately,’ because that’s what sells. But I believe there are braver ways to explore affection on screen,” he added.
Despite the attention his roles attract, Etim-Effiong emphasized that faith, focus, and family remain his core principles.
“When you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you. You just do your job and move with purpose,” he concluded.
Also read:Teju Babyface Reveals Why He Initially Regretted Relocating To The U.S.
