Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has revealed that she faced discrimination and stereotyping during the early stages of her acting career because of her dark skin and curvy figure.
In an interview with media personality Joseph Onaolapo, the actress said producers often tried to cast her in limited roles, especially as a “side chick,” at a time when fair-skinned actresses were more celebrated in the industry.
“They tried to place me in a particular category. Because I’m dark-skinned and curvy, they felt I should only fit certain roles,” she said.
Ogunmola, who once competed in the Next Movie Star reality show but did not make it into the final house, admitted that her rise in Nollywood was not easy.
“My journey has been crazy, but I kept pushing,” she stated.
The actress also spoke about balancing acting with business, explaining that she has always preferred entrepreneurship to a conventional office career.
“I wanted to build something meaningful for myself. I’ve never seen myself doing a 9–5 job. I admire people who do it, but I’ve always been business-oriented,” she added.
She further advised entertainers to think beyond fame and secure their future financially, stressing that popularity does not last forever.
“You can be in the spotlight today and tomorrow things change. That’s why it’s important to invest and have other streams of income,” she said.
Ogunmola also praised filmmaker Biodun Stephen for influencing her growth in movie production.
“A lot of what I know today came from observing experienced producers. Biodun Stephen was one of my first teachers in movie production,” she noted.
