Q: Having been in the nation’s entertainment industry, how do you think it can record more giant leaps?

Monalisa Chinda: The burden is not on the government alone. We as individuals have our own part to play. In fact, let me be bold to say that the onus lies on we the individuals more. If we have more individuals who really believe in Nollywood coming in to ensure that the industry grows, then that is a good starting point to begin with. We have to take the bull by the horns. Thank God for private establishment owners like Mr Ini Akpabio who has done much to strengthen the industry. He has decided to honor us so many times in the past and is still doing so till the present day. We are imploring other stakeholders to emulate him. It is a collective responsibility that needs all hands to be on deck.

Q: Have women been given their right place in Nollywood as far as you are concerned?

MC: They have been given prominence as far as I am concerned going by what is evident in the industry. From my candid perspective they have gotten their dues so far.

Q: What drew you into entertainment?

MC: I didn’t actually draw myself in. In the past I tried doing other stuff to get by, but it just didn’t work for me. I believe my profession looked for me and found me. I have tried banking, sales and marketing, etc. I think this is where I am meant to be and this is where I am going to stay.

Q: Many feel you go all out for endorsement rather than core acting deals these past few days. Is that true?

MC: No I disagree. It comes with the job. I mean endorsement comes naturally with the job. When people noticed you and appreciate what you have done, they approach you. When you are popular, you can sell a product more easily, so they will naturally gravitate towards you to help them sell their products and services. I guess that is why I am possibly noticed and offered endorsement deals.

Q: What is your candid assessment of the entertainment terrain as a major player?

MC: We are evolving. More importantly most individuals are taking it upon themselves to do unique stuff that will propel the industry further. Presently in Nollywood, we have slowed down in churning out movies anyhow. We now strive to do things better. Individuals are now striving for perfection and this is good for the growth of the industry. We no longer wait for the government to do things for us. We spearhead it ourselves. We are now churning out more quality movies that are well directed and packaged for viewing than it was in the past. I am not a producer by the way so let me leave the assessment to experts.

Q: Lets talk about your new project, ‘Catwalk’ ...

MC: It is something that is fresh. It is something that is different. It is something that is unusual. There is a whole lot of drama in it, high class fashion show. If you have seen the movie, desperate housewives then you have seen ‘Catwalk’. You are not looking at the desperateness in the housewives. You are looking at what they are wearing. Something must catch your attention, maybe their dialogue, the way they interact or simply what they are wearing. All of these are infused in ‘Catwalk’. It is fresh as far as drama is concerned. It’s actually for the young at heart.

Q: How do you think the proposed injection of massive funds will improve the entertainment industry?

MC: Let us access it first, but it will do a lot if it is given to the industry. We haven’t accessed the funds yet. That is as far as I understand the state of things at present.

Q: Can you give us a brief profile of your background?

MC: I am from Rivers State. I am the first child from a family of six. I have had a memorable career in the nation’s entertainment industry so far.

Q: Cases of sexual harassment still remain an issue in Nollywood. How can this trend be stemmed?

MC: Sexual harassment is everywhere. It is in every industry. It is like a cliché. I don’t even want to think about it. Or even talk about it. I don’t want to hear this sexual harassment issue every time. There are more serious issues at stake. Ask me something else please.

Q: How do you combine family and work?

MC: If you think it is difficult then it is difficult for you. It is not difficult for me at all. I try to strike a balance as much as possible

Q: What defines your specific style?

MC: Style for me is simplicity. Simple things are beautiful. You try to make yourself simple inside out and avoid complication. I am a very girly person of course. Thank God I have outgrown my weird hairstyle and have developed into a more matured person. But I am still a very simple person and what I have inside is what translates into what you see outside.

Q: If you were not acting, what would you have turned out to be?

MC: I would have become a housewife. And then I would have had given birth to plenty of children to take care of.

Q: What defines you as a person ideologically or serves as a passion?

MC: I like to give till I have nothing else to give. I love to assist charity homes. I love to have children around me and also encourage those who don’t have. I always want to strengthen the home institution. Ideologically I take life as it comes. I don’t take things too seriously like others. I encourage people to be very committed and serve God with their whole hearts. He is the reason for where I am today. Life is a challenge. Be good to yourself and to others. Show kindness to one another...



















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