Actress Chioma Toplis is not only big, she is also bold and beautiful. In this interview with YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, the mother of three who is married to a Caucasian explains why she does some of the shocking things she’s never tired of doing. Especially, displaying skimpy and seductive dresses on Facebook.
What exactly got you interested in acting?
Nothing much. Just that I like show business . Right from when I was in secondary school, I have always loved fashion and drama. Entertainment.
Which was your first movie and how did you land the role?
My first movie and fortunately the movie that brought me to limelight was Stolen Bible. I was also a co-producer.
So far, which is the best role you have played?
So far, the role where my character was dating and living with a young lover boy who works for me. The title of the movie is Erak & Eram.
What distinguishes you as an actress?
Obviously, talent works and it takes less effort and hard work if you are really good at something. Hence, you can achieve only in the field where you are good at . But you can beat a talented person with hard work. With hard work, you can achieve almost anything you want. And that is me.
Who are your colleagues you admire and why?
A lot. I can’t mention them.
What is your general assessment of Nollywood?
My general assessment of Nollywood? They have improved a lot from what it used to be when it started.
Did you ever experience sexual harassment in the industry?
No, I was not and have never been sexually harassed . Face dey fear face nah!
Why do like displaying seductive dresses on Facebook?
Just like every other person, including celebs home and abroad display pictures of what they are up to, so do I . The last time I checked, people don’t wear Iro and Buba to swim. Why is mine always creating headlines ? Don’t they see my pictures when I attend functions/events? For goodness sake, occasions determine what I wear. Okay, is it because I’m not slim, so I should not wear bikini to swim or lingeries for photo shoots ? No apologies for those haters because they will have to learn how to deal with it because I ain’t cutting my happiness short for anyone. You know what? These days, a lot of women have stopped hating and started appreciating me and so many are getting inspired too because they have realised that it takes a lot of guts and confidence to post my pictures without photo-shopping. Many women hate their own bodies; some live wishing to be in other people’s bodies. They don’t even know how to look good naked, even in front of their husbands or lovers. Because of so many reasons (1) low self-esteem (2) lack of confidence, which most got from the men in their lives . Because they never encouraged or praised them, but they will go outside to meet other girls whose breasts are pointed , whose skins are without stretch marks, whose bodies are flawless, etc. Who says that a woman’s life is finished by all that? We are enemies of our own selves. Many will come to my inbox to ask me how I do it, what I do to get my glowing skin , how after three grown up kids I still rock my shape? Some are dying in silence . Like I said earlier, a lot of women have started coming out of their shells, even if they can’t be me, but at least they have come to realise that there is no need hating a fellow woman who is confident enough to rule her world just like the slimmer women and everybody has a right to. Unfortunately, the men have become more jobless and stay on the Internet more than women nowadays.
They will yab women in the open and will go behind to toast them . Hypocrisy has eaten deep into them. Those are the type that feel that women should be slaves. Like I always say, “with me, what you see is what you get”. Yes, I am a public figure, I have people that look up to me. Exactly, I am inspiring the ones that love me for who I am and I also know that I can’t please everyone and can’t be loved by all either. So, live and let’s live.
Aren’t your husband and children complaining?
If they are complaining, I won’t still be here.
How about your extended family? Don’t they also complain?
No , because they are wise and they know that everybody has the right to do what makes them happy, especially when I’m not a baby or under age. They don’t sail my boat and I don’t sail theirs.
Tell us about your immediate family, that is your husband and children.
No comment.
How did you meet and fall in love with your husband?
No comment!
Any special reason for marrying a white man?
Yes! Love.
How would you describe your marriage?
Marriage made in heaven, built on the solid rock of God.
Why are so many actresses having issues with their marriages?
I wouldn’t know.
Do you consider yourself sexy?
Extremely sexy o! Haters can take that to the bank.
Are you an apostle of big, bold and beautiful?
Yes, anytime , as long as I am healthy and not obessed . Hence, I take control of what I eat. I don’t let food control me. I do my exercise regularly too. I am good to go as a big, bold and beautiful lady.
What are your hobbies? As well as favorite food, drink, colour, music…
Hobbies? Fashion. No special colour. Food? Rice. Drink? Fizzy drinks. All that was before. Now, I hardly have them . I eat healthy. I don’t love what I eat, but have to force myself to like them.