Veteran Nollywood actor Kalu Ikeagwu has opened up about a hilariously uncomfortable experience he had while watching one of his movies with his mother.

The 53-year-old actor revealed in an interview with The Nation that the incident happened after his mother requested to see one of his films. This came shortly after she noticed fans taking pictures and asking for his autograph during a visit — a proud moment that made her curious about her son’s acting career.

In an effort to please her, Kalu said he carefully selected what he believed to be his “safest” movie — one with minimal romance or violence. However, things quickly turned awkward when a kissing scene with actress Ini Edo suddenly appeared on screen.

“I completely forgot that scene was there,” he recalled. “As it was about to start, I was like, ‘Oh, this scene is coming!’ Sweat was running down from my armpits, and I just started retreating.”

The actor admitted he tried to act normal, but the tension in the room was unbearable. His mother and siblings watched on silently, while he wished the scene would end as quickly as possible.

The experience, he said, made him more selective about his movie roles, especially those that might be watched by his family.

“Before anything else, I read the script,” he added. “Movies should inform, educate, and entertain. Since that day, I’ve been more cautious about what I appear in.”

💭 Opinion: The Fine Line Between Art and Family Reality

Kalu Ikeagwu’s story is both funny and relatable — a reminder that even actors, despite their professionalism, are still human beings with families, values, and moments of deep awkwardness.

In Nollywood, where storytelling often blends romance, culture, and emotion, scenes like kissing are part of the craft. But for many African families, watching such scenes — especially with parents — can feel like crossing an invisible cultural boundary.

Ikeagwu’s experience reflects a broader conversation in the Nigerian entertainment industry: How do actors balance artistic expression with cultural expectations and family values? It’s a tightrope walk many professionals in the industry face.

Yet, beyond the laughter his story evokes, there’s a powerful lesson — that acting doesn’t strip away personal values. It only demands understanding and balance. And perhaps, for many Nigerian parents, seeing their child act in a love scene might just be one of those “I’m proud, but slightly shocked” moments.

After all, art mirrors life — even when it makes us sweat a little.