'It costs me good money to look good' - Actress Mosun Filani Reveals!

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Mosunmola Filani Oduoye is a talented actress whose acting prowess has endeared her to many people. In this  interview with TribuneNg, the graduate of Business Education from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, who was delivered of a baby boy some weeks ago, speaks on motherhood, her career and fashion preferences.  Excerpts:

Growing up

Growing up was a mixture of fun and struggle. I said struggle because the struggling part was that I grew up in a not too wealthy family. We didn’t have everything but we were contented with what we had. The fun part of my growing up had to do with the fact that my siblings and I created time to dance, sing, drum and play together.

Why I ventured into acting

I have always had a flair for acting, When I was in college of education, I joined the school drama club and being in the drama group was so interesting that when I finished from school, I decided to go into the movie world.  One day, some actors came to shoot a movie in my house and I walked up to them and made enquiries on how I could become one of them. I got the form from Waheed Ijaduade(Dimeji) and that was how I joined the industry.

Challenges faced at the beginning

I faced a lot of challenges. As an upcoming actress, some directors won’t give you the chance to take up a role simply because they have not seen your performance before but I thank God today because God has been with me all along. I was steadfast and prayerful because I knew I could do it. I knew I had the talent so I persevered.  Today, God has crowned my efforts with success.

Most challenging role

Wth the help of God, I have never seen any role as challenging.  Whichever role I am given, I make sure I give it my all. I love all my works but the movie that brought me to limelight was Ami Ayo by Muyiwa Ademola.

The gains and pains of being a celebrity

The pain is that you can no longer live your life quietly while the gain on the other hand is that people see you as a role model.

My husband and I

When I first met my husband, the first attraction was his physical appearance then, I realised he is God- fearing, cute and has a good dress sense but most importantly, he is very caring. We have been married for almost three years now. By God’s mercy, wisdom and understanding, our marriage has been intact in love. He is in support of my profession. He really likes seeing me on screen doing my thing, and he has been very supportive of my acting career.

 His opinion on my acting a romantic role

Actually, I don’t do romantic roles, so he has not really seen me do such and the issue of how he feels about it does not arise.

On motherhood

Motherhood is sweet and stressful at the same time. I enjoy it when my daughter shouts mummy all the time and when I look at my children, I feel so happy for I see them as  priceless gifts from God.

Coping with competition in the industry

I don’t feel intimidated by other actresses because we are all unique in our own way. With the grace and mercy of God, I have always been on top of my game so, I don’t have to be envious or jealous of anybody in the industry.

How I handle negative press

Well, I don’t respond to them at all.

Most embarrassing thing a fan ever did to me

That would be the day that a fan followed me all the way from Ikorodu to Surulere in his car.  It was not a funny experience at all.

Role model in the industry

Joke Silva.

How I handle my male admirers

I handle them with care but very firmly.

Philosophy of life

My philosophy of life is that you should be nice to people on your way to the top because you may meet them on your way down.

Description of self

Well,  I will describe myself as  a loving, jovial, God- fearing and very strict person

Definition of style

My definition of style is wearing  something  that is classy but decent. When I want to buy my fashion ensembles, I make sure that they are classy, unique and they match my colour. It must also fit me perfectly. I can say that it’s my profession that made me to become fashion conscious because I used to be a tom boy.

Looking good

Looking good is expensive o! It usually costs me good money to look good. I don’t have any routine that I follow; I just make sure that I use any good product that I can lay my hands on. And I go for pedicure and manicure. It is either I use a very light make- up or I don’t use any at all.

Secret of beauty

God is the secret of my beauty.

Favourite designers

 I like LV, Ted lapidus,Aldo,Gucci,Ralph and Marks and Spencer.

Favourite perfumes

Cocoa channel, Pretty and D&G.

Favourite colours

Red, Royal blue and purple.

Choice of accessories

Anything moderate and nice is okay by me.

Accessory  I can’t do without when going out

There is no accessory that I can’t do without.

My shoes and bags

Whoa! I can’t count o!

Special treat

I go out to any nice restaurant with my husband.

Opinion on toning

Well, I can’t say much on that but I believe that everything should be done moderately. Excess of anything is not good.

What I will like to change about myself

Nothing, I love and appreciate how God created me. Everything that God has created is good and perfect.

My take on provocative dressing

I get irritated when I see ladies dress in such a provocative manner because I believe you will be addressed the way you are dressed and your dressing speaks so much about who you are. Well, I think one’s upbringing matters because there is a saying that Ile lati nko eso r’ode (charity begins at home). I remember that in my secondary school days, my mum used to inspect our dressing before we go out and ever since, I have learnt to dress well and decently.

My hair and nails

Well, I like basket weaving and I fix too. As for my nails, I don’t do much, I just make sure they are clean.

Favourite pastime

I like watching movies, dancing and singing. And I read books too. Cooking is an every day thing as for shopping, I do that once in a while because I don’t really like going out, so most times,  I do it online.

Favourite holiday spot in the world

Well, so far, it’s Malaysia

Most expensive item in my wardrobe

My Ted Lapidus bag

Like and dislikes

I like it when you are honest, sincere and truthful with me. I dislike people without the fear of God!

On whether I have regrets

 I have no regret because our yesterday is the lead way for our today and our today determines our tomorrow.

Advice to women on how to stay young and beautiful

Eat healthy.

Advice to upcoming artistes

My advice to them is that they should be focused, prayerful and hard working. Someday, somehow, they will surely get there.

If not acting

I would have been a professional dancer.

Movies that I have produced

To the glory of God, I  have produced four movies. They are Alaamu,Iran kefa,Iku ewa and Oko obirin

Awards

I won the best actress in 2010 by video club association owners, I won the celebrity gold international award, best picture of the year 2010(Iku ewa) by TIMA, best actress in leading role by TIMA, best picture in Yoruba movie 2010 by TIMA

To my fans

I want to appreciate my fans, they have been wonderful and encouraging. Without God and them, there would be no me. I love them all.

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