I was restricted to ‘side chick’ roles because I’m dark-skinned, curvy — actress Bolaji Ogunmola

Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola, has recounted the early challenges she faced in the film industry, saying she was often stereotyped and restricted to certain roles because of her appearance.

“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles,” she said in an interview with social media personality and content creator, Joseph Onaolapo, popularly known as Jay On-Air which started trending on Sunday.

The actress, who once participated in the Next Movie Star reality show but did not make it into the final house, described her journey in the industry as difficult but consistent.

“My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.

Ogunmola also spoke about her decision to venture into business early in her career, noting that she preferred entrepreneurship over traditional office jobs.

“I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5, it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that,” she added.

She stressed the importance of financial discipline and diversification in an unpredictable entertainment industry, advising creatives to prepare for life beyond fame.

“Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing, positioning yourself from now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing,” she said.

Ogunmola also credited filmmaker Biodun Stephen for mentoring her on set, describing her as a major influence in her professional growth.

“Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learnt were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it comes to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her,” she noted.