Two things are bound to attract you to Monalisa Chinda whenever you are privileged to engage her in a conversation. They are her frankness and humility. The beautiful screen diva, is a Nollywood actress, film producer and television personality. She has carved a niche for herself in the industry and has shown genuine love for the make-believe profession. In this interview with ORUKPE NELSON, she talked about her new television program and what she regrets most in life.

Briefly tell us about your background

I was born on the 13th of September in Ikwerre, River State, Southern region of Nigeria, I am the first born in a family of four daughters and two sons. I had my primary and secondary education in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria. I studied Theater Arts at the prestigious University of Port Harcourt. I was crowned as the “Face of Port Harcourt” carnival queen in Rivers state and so many other awards that I cannot list. I began my professional movie career in 1996 when I featured in “Pregnant Virgin” I also featured in the movie “Am above the law” shortly after I graduate from the University in the year 2000 I was regarded as the “Rave of the moment” because I appeared in almost every 2 out of 5 movies released in Nollywood.

Tell us some of the prominent movies that you have featured.

Tight corner, Lust to lust, Total control, Fragile pain, The golden fish, The golden moon, Indecent desire, Inside job which were shot in 2005, I also featured in movies such as The devil in her , spirit of love, on my wedding day, and Rome, Okon in Lagos and Kiss & tell and others that I can’t remember right now. I have received several awards for my roles in several movies which include 2011 ZAFAA awards for the best actress in comedy series, and City People Face of Nollywood Award and so many others.

What is the talk show “You & I with Monalisa’’ all about?

“You & I with Monalisa” is a programme that would be telecasted on DStv’s Africa Magic Channel. Each episode will commence with beautifully acted out scripts followed by endearing discussions with distinguished guests. As our society is constantly influx, the show aims to record these unique changes and promote an on-going debate through the idea of open source interactions, our guests take on critical social issues with fresh perspectives and insights to highlight possible solutions to a particular dilemma, the aim of the television show is to inspire, educate, empower and entertain its viewers. We aim to give hope and encourage people who are disillusioned about the realities of life. We will also provide a medium to elevate its audience towards reaching their full potential and becoming the citizens they desire to be.

What is the focus of the programme?

The focus is on social issues, it’s also about life style, a segment of it is going to be drama show whereby every topic we discuss here with our guest will be shown on the screen for proper illustration and of course it’s a very engaging show, it is not a regular talk show, it is more of a social trendy issues. It’s educative and innovative like helping to resolve day-to-day issues that we have in our society.

How often is the show holding?

It is going to be a weekly stuff, it’s an unconventional weekly talk show that employs engaging interactive debates enmeshed with drama to address everyday social and trending issues but it was put on hold because of the elections, it is not a live programme but by the grace of God, it will be aired by this time next year.

What is your take on the saying that married people are more satisfied in life than the singles?

No they are not; I can give you a statistics especially in Nigeria that a lot of women are in tragic marital situation. Well, I will leave it at that.

Is it true that remaining unmarried or divorced are common among less educated and lower income people?

No, that is where divorce reside; those who are educated, who are more comfortable monetarily and can afford luxury of life are the ones who have issues in their marriage. Issues are everywhere, even the economic turn down have really affected homes in many ways and I will not blame it on individual rather on the society, let’s say about forty percent of it.

What do you regret most about your past?

One thing I regret most is the fact that I am divorced. Where I come from I am the first daughter. I am from a royal family. It has never been on record that the first daughter will walk out of her matrimonial home. But it is a matter of life and death otherwise I would have stayed back and make my marriage work. I tried to make it work but it takes two people to tango. That’s the only thing I regret, raising my child without a father. It’s a bit painful. But I have to live with it. It’s better that way than to expose my daughter to all sorts of domestic violence. It will definitely disorient her and affect her upbringing. She will be dis-functional. God knows the best. Maybe I should be more careful.

Do you still believe in love?

I believe in love. Love is the reason for our existence. It’s really not enough if you want to get something done, you have to do away with that emotion and be real.

Are you religious?

I’m from a religious background. I’m an Anglican and all the moral teachings I learnt while I was growing up are still there till date. While I was seven, I was a member of my church choir. I attended an Anglican school, Archdeacon Memorial Grammar School, it’s a convent school. I’m quite religious.

Do you think that the government has done enough for the industry?

I cannot begin to mention how they have actually helped the industry but they’ve really done so well. They granted some funds for each and every one of us to access, the fund is very much accessible although I haven’t had the time to access it because you have to fill a form and all that. It is well structured in such a way that you don’t just go and play with it. I think the government should continue with more funding because it is never enough and we need to build our own film village with enough technical equipment to help our industry.

Why did you go into production of movies?

Producing has always been at the back of my mind as an actress. In fact, I should speak the minds of a lot of people who are in the art. They want to diversify and break new grounds and to also show the various things they can do. Naturally, we all want to try our hands in other things as long as it’s within the genre of entertainment. That’s the reason I wanted to do something different. Right now, I’m even going into live theatre which is already dying in this country. Thespians like myself and a few other people are trying to revive the dying live theatre culture in the country.

Since you delved into movie production what has been your challenges?

It’s been a good experience, and also, knowing that I’m getting older, I need to step aside for the emerging actresses to excel. But even at that, it’s really difficult for them. I think some of the fresh actresses are joining Nollywood for different reasons and probably not for the love of the industry. They just have this silly idea that if I hit the screen, people would see me and like my face as well. It’s not done like that.

If you call for an audition today, and about four thousand people show up, you will be shocked to find out that not up to five of them have what it takes to be an actress. The five people would have rigorous screening before they are able to deliver their lines. That also is a very big challenge. That’s why we keep recycling a lot of known faces even when we are getting older and tired. We still try to look slim and young, competing favourably with the younger ones.

What is your advice for young ladies that will wish to attain the height that you are now?

Just be determined, focused, and have confidence in yourself that you can do it and don’t welcome any form of fear that you cannot do it. Don’t let your fear overshadow your ability.

What is your idea about beauty?

It is natural, it is the beauty that is within that is showcasing what we are seeing right now.

How do you describe yourself?

I’m just the girl-next-door. I don’t have many ears around me, I try to be humble. I want people to be able to reach out to me. I’m not a difficult person. I’m an easy-going lady.