Nollywood actress Calista Okoronkwo has shared the struggles she faced in her early acting career, revealing that her father initially disapproved of her aspirations.
Speaking on her journey while marking her 32nd birthday, the actress reflected on how she overcame these challenges.
"My dad was very strict and wanted me to become a medical doctor. He didn’t take my acting dreams seriously," she recounted.
Despite her father's stance, her mother provided quiet support, often slipping money into her pocket for transportation to auditions.
Over time, her father’s perspective shifted.
"One day, as I was preparing for an audition in Surulere, he handed me money for transportation, saying, 'Chika, you say you want to act, take this.' I was thrilled," Calista shared.
From that point until his passing, her father became a steadfast source of encouragement.
Interestingly, Calista revealed she hasn’t let go of her dream of becoming a medical doctor. "I still want to pursue that dream and will work toward it," she said.
Her journey is a poignant example of resilience and how parental support can evolve over time to shape success.