They Tried To Limit Me To Side Chick Roles” – Nollywood Actress Bolaji Ogunmola Speaks Out

According to Ireporter Online, Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has spoken about the early challenges she faced in the film industry, revealing how she was stereotyped and restricted to specific roles due to her physical appearance.

 reports that Ogunmola, during an interview with content creator Joseph Onaolapo, popularly known as Jay On-Air, disclosed that some producers attempted to confine her to “side-chick” roles, a pattern she said was influenced by prevailing beauty standards at the time.

She explained that her complexion and body shape played a role in how she was initially perceived, noting that the industry once favoured light-skinned actresses. “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. My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.

The actress also expressed gratitude to filmmaker Biodun Stephen, crediting her as a major influence in her professional development and learning on set.

According to her, “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.”

Ogunmola further revealed that she ventured into entrepreneurship early in her career, explaining that she preferred building a business over working a conventional 9–5 job.

She stated that her mindset has always been driven by purpose and productivity, adding that she is more inclined toward business than office work, while commending those in traditional employment.

Emphasising financial discipline and long-term planning, she advised creatives to prepare for life beyond fame, noting that the entertainment industry is unpredictable.

“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 added.