Beautiful Mary Uranta is a Nollywood actress and producer. The owner of a movie production company has carved a niche for herself as a versatile entertainer. In this interview, she tells ORUKPE NELSON about her career and why she is not ‘husband shopping’.

You recently premiered your movie, Husband Shopping. Why did you decide to go into movie production?

I went into movie production because I have always wanted to do my own thing.  I have always wanted to do it my way and do the kind of movies, stories and play the kind of character I know I can really play.  You know in the industry, most times it is about who you know, who your producer friend is or which director you have as a friend. So, I decided that at this time in my career, I am big enough to do the kind of role I want to play in a movie. Since I know I can afford to produce a movie, I went ahead to do so.  Most times also, before a producer writes a script or goes into production, he already has someone in mind that will play the lead. So if you don’t have that kind of friend who will remember you, it means you cannot do the kind of movies you want to be in. The Nollywoood of today is a fight. If you are not strong enough, you can’t do the kind of role that you are pleased with. So I just decided to do my own thing and also show people that I can do this thing even when they underrate you. I have always been a victim, so I just felt I should do my own thing.

Did it surpass your expectation?

We actually had a lot of hitches on that day. The traffic was indeed crazy!  In fact I have lived in Lagos for over 10 years, but I have never seen traffic on the Island like that day of the premiere. There was even no space for motorbikes to ride. It was locked down for hours. Even though the hall was full, I had half of my crowd caught up in that traffic because I got a lot of calls from people stuck in traffic. I was also in that traffic. I went to my own movie premiere on a bike. If I had not done that, I would have been terribly late. I had my guests already seated as early as 5pm for a movie slated for 8pm. I really want to appreciate everyone that turned up on that day in spite of the heavy traffic. They were really patient. For me, it showed a profound love that they really have me in mind and appreciate me as a person. The turnout was simply awesome. I just took a bold step in producing that movie and I am glad it came out well.

You also opened a film production studio. What inspired you?

It is all part of it. I just did that so that any time I want to produce my own movie, I can film with my equipment, nothing more to it. I also rent it out to other producers.  I have everything needed for a film production in my company, The 50th Academy. Husband Shopping was our maiden movie and we are on the second one now.

You also have a charity organisation; could you tell us more about it?

The truth about my charity organisation is that right now, it is not very big. We are coming from my hometown, Queenstown, Opobo in Rives State where I am actually trying to bring up people who cannot find help anywhere. I have only done a few things in Port Harcourt but it is not in the news because of my faith and belief that when you do charity works, you don’t have to broadcast it. That is how I was brought up and how I was taught not to let the world know when you help the less privileged. It is not part of me to give someone something and the next thing; you come to the media to tell the world about it. I now noticed that a lot of celebrities do that and advertise it. I am not trying to judge anybody but I don’t think it is from their heart. If it is from their heart, you don’t give beggar money and announce it. Let it be another person who was there and who saw it that will announce it. When the time comes, whatever thing you do will announce itself.

Describe your style?

I love it simple and classy. I also love it simple and expensive.

Why ‘expensive’?

I know classy has already beaten the word, expensive, but I love expensive products. It’s a problem but that is just me. I just have to be who I want to be.

What is your favourite fashion item?

I don’t really think I have a favourite. I just have a few things that are my favourites. I love my wrist watch and shoe collections.

Who is your favourite shoe designer?

I love Jimmy Choo shoes.

And your wrist watches?

I love Christian Bell watches.

So what is the most expensive fashion item in your wardrobe?

I have quite a few things that are expensive. I love good and quality products, that is the truth. But coming to the most expensive things in my wardrobe, I wouldn’t want to put a tag to it, but let’s just say handbags, especially my Chloe bags.

Which fashion trend can you not be caught dead in?

The number one will be wearing everything sheer and revealing body parts like the nipples. I can never be caught baring my nipples. These things can only be done indoors when you want to be free but not on the streets. I also will not wear a very short bum shorts on the street. Those things do not make me look responsible. I love to look responsible and matured.

What is your passion?

Your passion should ordinarily be your career but at the end of the day, I have never done anything that is a do or die affair for me. Not even for career, fame or money; I can easily turn my back to them.  Nothing ever has too much of meaning except my relationship with my God.

What beauty routine do you follow to keep your skin glowing?

I don’t have a beauty routine at all! I can sleep with my makeup on for one week and nothing will really happen to my skin. I just have a natural glowing skin. I am weak when it comes to trying to look too beautiful. I use to work out a lot but for some time now, I have not been able to do so.

Your movie is called, Husband Shopping. Are you ‘husband-shopping’?

The movie is just a romantic, hilarious movie. We wanted something very catchy and what nobody has ever used. I got tired of the Nollywood kind of movie titles. We wanted something that is classy, that beats the standard. That is why we named the movie ‘Husband Shopping’ and I really love the name. I think it is trending and I am happy with the response.

So what is new in your relationship?  Are you getting married soon?

I don’t want to talk about my relationship in the media. I am not going to say a word on it. I love my private life.

So are you getting married in six months’ time?

I am not getting married in six months’ time. And I cannot say whether I am getting married in three months’ time either. Sometimes it is not who you date that you get married to. A man can just come into your life and sweep you off your feet.  I have a wonderful relationship and I am happy about it but it is not something I want to talk about.

What qualities do you like in a man?

I don’t look at qualities in men. I don’t look at whether he is handsome, a bloke or he has the six packs. I need a man with a heart of gold, who has the fear of God. That is number one for me, because if you have a bloke who has all the wonderful features and he is a wicked man, trust me, you cannot be at peace with him in that house. So for me, I love a God fearing man with a heart of gold. For physical qualities, I love dark men; I don’t like men with lighter skin colour.

What is your favourite hair do?

I do lots of weaves but I love my braids. But because of the time you have to sit to do the braids, I don’t do it often but I love braiding.