It’s amazing acting with stars I watched on TV while growing up –Bolaji Ogunmola
Having cut her tooth as an actor at the Royal Arts Academy, Ogunmola was able to improve on her craft and she’s now a force to reckon with in the movie industry.
In this interview, the screen diva opened up on her love for acting, and how her career has evolved over the years, amongst other issues. Please enjoy it.
You’ve become a Netflix and Amazon sensation. What is your relationship with filmmaker, Biodun Stephen and how crucial is she to your career?
Biodun Stephen is my mentor. She gave me my first big break and I am forever thankful to her. She is still like a fairy godmother to me, and I love her deeply.
Your career has evolved over the years. Share with us your journey into the industry?
My journey into the movie industry started from church. After secondary school and while trying to get into the university, I joined the drama team in my church. So, it started from there. Afterwards, I attended University of Ilorin where I also joined the drama group. When I came back to Lagos, I attended the Royal House Academy, and that was how I started.
Can you share your unforgettable moments on set with us?
I’ve had so many unforgettable moments; meeting people that I watched on TV while growing up, and working with them is so amazing. For me, it is a big deal getting to share the screen with the likes of the late Racheal Oniga, Ramsey Nouah and others whom I adored while growing up.
Would you say you’ve been stereotyped in your roles; and what other roles do you look forward to?
To be honest, I have been really fortunate with my career. I don’t think I have been stereotyped. I have played different characters on TV, on big screen and in drama series. I don’t think I have been stereotyped at all. And for the other kind of roles I look forward to playing, I think I want to do a biopic. I have been saying and manifesting it since, and maybe playing Moremi Ajasoro would be a dream come true.
What has the entertainment industry taught you?
The entertainment industry has taught me that there are no permanent friends and permanent enemies. We are all working and trying to achieve our goals and make some money for our families and have a better life. Also, it has taught me that anybody can make it. If you put your mind to it, you can make it; if you are consistent, you will have an excellent grade. So, go for it, you can make it.
If you weren’t into acting, what would you be doing?
Interestingly, I would have been a business owner. I love business a lot; I’m still a business owner anyway. What would I have been doing? Maybe, a lawyer. Yes, being a lawyer would have been it.
What inspires and excites you most as an actor?
I think the script, the production value, and the people involved. There’s something amazing about having people that you know, people that have goals and visions. We all work together because filmmaking is about collaboration; it’s not about one person. So, that really excites me. I always want to give my 100% to those people. This inspires me so much in my career together with my ability to better myself, and the ability to grow as a person.
There’s this notion that showbiz is no place for decent women who want to build home and family. What’s your take on this?
I think it’s untrue. Whatever you are is what you are. People cannot change what you are. If you are not a family-oriented person, being an actor will not change that. I think it all boils down to your values growing up, what you believe in. These are the things that elevate or make you look it. They now make it look like it’s because you are an actor, no. It’s who you are! It’s like having money and you now say, because the person has money, he’s proud. He has always been proud. You know, values are innate. It’s something that you have before whatever it is you become. You have to understand that acting is a profession; it’s not a lifestyle. Being a celebrity can be a lifestyle, but acting is a profession like every other profession.
What is your life’s mantra?
Love people, love yourself, and love the world. I think one of the most amazing things I have heard recently is that you are a mirror of what you receive. Whatever you mirror is what you receive. I try to mirror positivity, happiness, love, and joy so that I will receive that in return. And the most important things in life are not things you can hold on to, there are memories, it is time spent with people that really matters.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a Showmax original. We have some films coming out in December. We also have one on Netflix coming very soon.
What is your most valuable fashion accessory?
It is the necklace that someone very special bought for me.
What are your hobbies?
I like to stay indoors, watch movies, eat, travel, have a good time with friends, family and loved ones. Those are my go-to-do things to help me reset and come back.
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