Nigerian Men Respect Married Women – Monalisa Chinda

See excerpts of Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda’s recent chat with Daily Sun

What determines your fashion outlook?

It depends on my mood. I like to keep it simple and classy.

What fashion accessory you can’t do without?

My ear rings, because I am a woman. My handbag because I am a woman. I am very girly.

What part of you attracts attention when you step out?

My complexion. I want to believe.

How was growing up like? Were you an introvert?

Growing up was fun. We were allowed to grow up in simple healthy environment devoid of technology as opposed to today. Back then we would go to the library to read and do research and home works as opposed to research carried out online, googling almost everything.

Playing in the garden at our backyard then, filled with innocence as opposed to what exists today. It was much fun and I missed that.

No, I wasn’t exactly an introvert. I was and still am very private and would love people to respect that. What I can control, I can control. What I can’t control, I don’t make any fuss about it.

If something goes wrong, it goes wrong. It’s how we react and manage the situation that matters.
We are not perfect.

What part of you does the public hold as a misconception?

I want to believe it’s my looks. I think I am unapproachable, as I get that a lot. But when people come a little closer; they perhaps have a change of heart. However, their opinion of me doesn’t really define who I am, so it’s okay. You can’t stop people from thinking what they want to think.

What is your favourite meal?

Beans and vegies. Bean cake (moi moi), I don’t think I can go a week without beans… So, yes I love beans.

When you discovered you’re a beautiful woman, did that boost your ego?

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what beautiful meant when I was growing up. Someone must have told you….Perhaps… You know, as you grow older you begin to be more comfortable in your skin; more conscious of whom you truly are.

I sort of knew there is something special about me just as anyone else out there. You must discover who you are at some point.

What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?

A fan has tried to grab and peck me on my cheek. I was alarmed. I had to tell him to step back and steer clear off me. He later on apologised and pleaded for a selfie, which I later obliged.

After marriage do you still get toasted by men?

No! Nigerian men respect married women. You can take that to the bank. I think if they admire you and don’t know how to convey the message, they keep it to themselves or go to my social media page and make compliments, that isn’t rude or seen as disrespectful.

Would you like your child to go into acting?

I am not sure!!

Why?

With what’s going on now? I would try to talk her out of it. It’s difficult to deal with fame. The society would expect you to act in certain way, talk in certain way, and not seen in certain places!

It’s difficult. However, I am not God. He may have His own purpose for her. After all, we are here to fulfil our purposes on earth.

So, you can’t just walk on the road and buy corn?

No, I can’t. But if I am with my hubby alone in the car, he can pull over and help with that. If I am with someone else, they help too.

How do you safeguard your marriage?

God is the one who safeguards all marriages. However, as human, I try to strike the balance. Nothing comes between me and my home. Nothing. I don’t like to take advantage of things. I am an organic woman. Therefore, my family comes first before my career. I do not know any other way.

What should the fans be expecting from you?

I want to keep giving them the best of me, more movies and providing great content on my talk show.

What is your favourite movie?

That would be my first attempt at producing a movie, Kiss ‘N’ Tell in 2010. That movie remains the best thing that has ever happened to me, in terms of movie making! It sold out on the opening night. That was a blessing.

CATWALQ was another. It was a 26-episode of great content, amazing cast and crew. Even though, that didn’t fetch me money, it’s one of my best series ever. It was a master piece. No regrets!