Popular actress, Mosun Filani, tells Ademola Olonilua about her career and style
How did acting start for you?
My acting career began when I was in school but I started out with stage plays. I really loved acting and as fate would have it, after I finished school, some actors came to our compound to shoot a movie. I was very fascinated with what they were doing, so I made some enquiries. After making my findings on how to become an actor, I went ahead to fulfil my heart desire by becoming an actress. The rest they say is history.
What were some of the challenges you faced while building your career?
There is no career that does not have its peculiar challenge and acting is not an exception. Although a lot of people come to this industry to seek money and fame, the wisest thing to do is to work hard and make a name for yourself, then, every other thing would fall into place. Basically, the major challenge I faced was how to break loose and make a name for myself. The challenge I faced bordered more on convincing directors and producers that I could take up any role given to me. I had to force them to see my acting prowess even when they were not offering me money.
To you, is there a difference between fashion and style?
When it comes to fashion and style, I think they are like two peas in a pod. I believe that fashion and style are interwoven and they go hand in hand. To me, my style is my fashion. I try to reflect my personality through my style.
Has your career influenced your style?
I don’t really believe that being an actress has enhanced my fashion sense in any way majorly because I don’t follow whatever is trending. I believe in wearing what suits me. It must look good on me and it must be very comfortable to wear.
Has your fair complexion been a plus for you in the industry?
I doubt it and it makes me wonder why people believe fair complexioned people are always at an advantage. I learnt that some people actually change their skin complexion because of this same thought pattern. Whatever complexion God has given you, it should be appreciated and cherished. All you need do is maintain it and make sure it is radiant instead of changing it. All I can say about my complexion is that I am grateful to God for it but I believe my hard work always puts me at an advantage and not my skin colour.
What is your take on ladies that bleach their skin?
Different stokes for different folks. When it comes to the issue of bleaching, I cannot say much because I believe it has to do with the individual. The only thing I say is that they should be sure of what they are going into because it may have an adverse effect on their skin in the long run. They might later regret their action if they experience the side effects of bleaching.
If given the opportunity to alter any part of your body, making it bigger or smaller, which part would it be?
To be honest, I have never given that a thought. I would say that I am totally fine with the way God created me. Moreso, the Bible makes me understand that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I also learnt from the Bible that everything God created is good and perfect, so why would I want to alter perfection? It all has to do with contentment. People should be satisfied with the way God has created them.
When it comes to your body, which parts do you see as assets?
I cannot single out any part of my body as being an asset. I believe that my body in its whole entirety is an asset which I am still exploring in order to reach my maximum potential in life.
What is the most embarrassing fashion mistake you have made?
Luckily for me, I have not had any worth covering my face for. I doubt I have any of such moments.
What kind of clothes do you feel very comfortable wearing?
I am always very comfortable wearing flowing gowns. They are decent and modest.
What is that fashion item you admire on your husband?
The items I admire most on my husband are his shoes and wristwatches.
What’s your favourite hairstyle?
My favourite hairstyle is Ghana weaving in any style.
Do you have tattoos and what is your opinion about them?
I don’t have any tattoo on my body and the reason is because it is against my religion. It has been written in the Bible that we should not inscribe anything on our skin. I don’t have a tattoo because I don’t want to go against God’s word. I am a practising Christian and according to the Bible, God is against it.
To you, is fashion about dressing alone or much more?
Fashion is not only about dressing. It even transcends wearing what is in vogue. The first rule of fashion to me is wearing what suits you. You have to look good and above all, be comfortable in what you have on.
Do you prefer looking natural or you feel incomplete without make-up on?
Most times, I like to look natural. Whenever I am indoors, I hardly put on make-up. I only apply moderate make-up whenever I have an occasion or I am going for a party. However, I always apply light make-up.
How often do you patronise Nigerian designers?
Most of the clothes I have are made by Nigerian designers. I patronise them a lot and have some of them as friends. I believe that our designers are really doing a good job and they are very creative. If you go to fashion shows staged by some of them, you will be amazed at how much talents abound in our country. They are so creative and the good ones keep pushing it to the limit. They always improve on themselves.
Has motherhood changed your style in any way and how?
No, not really. I think my style has changed over the years because of maturity. As I grow older, I tend to drop some fashion statement that I think is childish.
What influences your fashion statement?
Mostly, the occasions determine my style of dressing. But the most important determinant is my physique and stature at any point in time. I have to look elegant in whatever I wear and I will not want the wrong places protruding.
What are the kinds of clothes and hairstyle your husband admires most on you?
My husband likes it when I have a long hair. He also likes it when I wear complete native attire.
Is there any fashion item you can’t leave home without?
Well, there is no fashion item I can’t do without but I would be restless if I forget my wrist watch at home. I love wrist watches and hair a lot.
What’s the most expensive item you own and how much did it cost?
The most expensive bag I have is a Ted Lepidus bag and it cost me about N85,000. I also have a Cerruti wrist watch that cost N150,000 and also a Versace wristwatch that cost N120,000 to mention a few.
What is your fashion weakness?
I have a weakness for hair, shoes, bags and wristwatches in no particular order. I really love hair because I believe that it is a woman’s crown of glory and it makes you look presentable if it is properly taken care of.
What is your take on ladies exposing their cleavage and wearing skimpy dresses?
I believe it is a very wrong way for a lady to dress. I believe that it is immoral for a lady to expose her body in public. We are in a society that has culture, norms and values, so exposing any part of your body won’t speak well of you. The truth is that you will always be addressed the way you are dressed.
When stepping out for an event, what are the things you consider?
I consider the environment, the setting and the calibre of people that will be there as well.
What project are you currently working on?
I am working on my new movie titled Different Strokes.
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