Nollywood star and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has shared his unique approach to romantic scenes on set, saying he turns to prayer beforehand.

For him, faith serves as an anchor, helping him navigate the temptations and pressures of his craft.

Having directed the movie 'The Herd,' he explains that every intimate scene is more than just acting—it's a spiritual act, a form of worship where he seeks divine guidance.

“I get all my inspiration from God,” Etim-Effiong said during an interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds. “I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.”

Etim-Effiong, who has received public criticism for his romantic roles, especially after a viral scene in Summer Rain where he kissed actress Bolaji Ogunmola, clarified that his focus is 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 said.

The 37-year-old actor, who switched from a successful engineering career to acting, explained that his choice was motivated 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 added.

Furthermore, the actor explained that producers often include romantic scenes in films because audiences prefer them.

“The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss pass+onately,’ because that’s what sells. But I believe there are braver ways to explore affection on screen,” he said.

Despite the attention his roles attract, Etim-Effiong insisted that faith, focus, and family remain his guiding principles.

“When you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you,” he said. “You just do your job and move with purpose.”

ASA