Marriage Is Not A Necessity ...Star Actress, Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa Chinda has carved a niche for herself in Nollywood in less than 15 years she delved into acting. In this chat with Isaac Oguntoye, she spoke on her career, her challenges as a single parent and other issues.  

For sometime now, you have not been featuring in movie or producing one, what are you actually working on?

We just launched the Arise Monalisa Foundation and my production company, Monalisacode Limited. I’ve also been working on a couple of projects which are still in production stage; you’ll get to see them at the right time.

As a graduate of Theatre Arts from University of Port Harcourt, was acting part of your childhood ambition?

I knew acting was my talent and passion from childhood and people around me could attest to it, so I gladly embraced it when the opportunity came. I had always admired some of the reigning acts then although it wasn’t as developed as it is today and deep down within me, I just felt this thing could be done in a better way.

Despite your fair skin, you don’t seem to expose your body in movies. Is this due to moral?

Well, we are from different backgrounds with different values, beliefs and styles. Acting is about interpreting your roles excellently and not anything else.

How difficult has it been as a single parent?

There’s absolutely nothing difficult about being a single parent. Besides, marriage is neither a requirement to fulfil your purpose in life nor the reason for life itself.

If a man proposed marriage to you, would you accept the proposal now?

That’s up to me.

Are you in any relationship at the moment?

My dear, there’s something called private life.

How do you manage advances from  male admirers especially now that you are single?

I manage them the way they are supposed to be managed. No matter how big you are, you must treat people with courtesy and remain nice to people who appreciate what you do, regardless of who they are.

Some people believe the industry is now filled with non-professionals, what’s your view and what do you think is the solution?

People will always be entitled to their opinions. Whoever thinks so should ask himself these questions; is the Nollywood you see today the same Nollywood that was there several years back? Are the quality of our movies and technology better than what we had 10 years back?

How do you feel being a Glo Ambassador?

I feel good because it means you’re being appreciated for what you do.

What is your definition of a successful actor?

A successful actor is someone who is widely renowned for exceptional works, someone who effortlessly interprets any role very well at all times.

How do you feel being a star where most actors have failed?

It’s very hard to succeed in a field that isn’t meant for you and it’s also difficult to succeed without originality. I think most actors fail either by going into acting for the wrong reasons or by trying to imitate someone else’s style.

If not acting, what would you have been doing?

If not acting, I would have been a notable lawyer or activist.

Why do people give up in life after  some effort?

People give up either because they are in the wrong field or because they lack enough knowledge about their field. There’s actually no easy path to greatness. If it were easy, everybody would have been successful. You just have to determine where you want to be and give it all it takes. It is knowledge about your field that eventually brings you success. Unfortunately, we don’t value knowledge in this part of the world, but I believe we are getting better.

What has been the major secret that keeps you on the limelight despite competitions here and there?

I don’t think there was any magical wand that helped me in my career. It was the grace of God. If there was any reason I have been consistently engaged and appreciated for what I do, I think it’s because of my gift, and the giver of that gift is God. I simply discovered my love and natural talents for acting, I followed it strictly by developing my talents into skills and God’s grace has been responsible for the rest.

What will you say has been your greatest mistake in life?

I don’t dwell on mistakes and I can’t think of any.

What has been the greatest lesson you learnt in the last 10 years?

One of my key lessons in the last 10 years is that you can’t get anything if your hands are still full with yesterday’s junk.

How do you feel about the success recorded in the last few years?

I feel thankful and grateful to God and my wonderful fans around the world.

Why is it that most people attain success but find it difficult to sustain it?

I think one of the major reasons people find it difficult to sustain their success is because of pride, especially around here. Wisdom always eludes the proud people and it takes humility to be truly great.

What do you like most being an actress?

I love being an actress for so many reasons. It gives you the opportunity to pass crucial and life-changing messages to the society. It also gives you that leverage for influence; how you use that influence is now left to you.

What is the best way to stand out in your career?

I think the best way to stand out at what you do is through personal development. Commit yourself to constant practice and knowledge in whatever you do, and you’ll see yourself at the top before long.

How do you maintain your fair complexion and beauty, despite the climatic conditions in this part of the world?

Well, I think it’s just the way God created me. I don’t have any special routine aside the normal everyday thing.

What is your take on this trend in Nollywood where one person is the producer, director and actor at the same time?

What really matters is the quality of movie being produced. What I know is that people will always insist on the very best, regardless of whether same person is the producer, director and actor. So if the person is good in doing the three, why not?