By Iyabo Aina

With her engaged activities as actress cum producer Maryam Charles tells whoever cares to listen that she is not in Nollywood to think about frivolous things like sex, but her work by squeezing water out of stone to make quality movies that will earn awards for her.
In an exclusive chat with our correspondent, the Imo-State born movie maker reveals her secret of stardom and the journey so far in the make believe industry. Excerpt:

Tell us about your background?
I grew up in a Christian home. My parent never spare the rod. They were very strict so growing up was great though. I am a graduate of ABU Zaria and I read sociology and Anthropology. I hail from Imo state.

What are you up to lately?
Like Rihanna said in her song: work work everyday my dear. We have many serious projects in our periscope. Let me not blow my trumpet. However, at the moment we are auditioning for our next job entitled, ‘The Mind’. It is going to be a mind blowing movie.

What is the name of your latest movie?
My latest movie entitled, ’39steps’ starring Ik Ogbonna, Harry B, Vincent Opurum, myself and many more.

What is the challenge of being a female movie producer?
I don’t want to use that cliché like what a man can do, but it is not bed of roses to organise wonderful people to perfect your work and give it a life. Honestly, it is tedious, but so far so good, I have all it takes to be female producer and do quality movies that will survive test of the time.

What inspired you to do this movie?
I crave to do good movies. I wanted to put something really outstanding out there. Go see our movies; 39steps and Enclosed Passion and thank me later. And madam Caitlyn will hit cinema soon.

Maryam Charles

What are the favourite movies you featured?
For now, I love all my movies. It is hard to single any one of them out as my favourite. They are all good movies.

How was your growing up?
I grew up as an entertainer because I love singing at church. I thought I would end up as a musician, but movie is my best chosen career for now. I have good memories as a child. I also tried my hands on music though with a single tilted, ‘Your love with xproject’.

What would you like to change in how you were brought up?
Honestly? Nothing! All thanks to my Dad and Mom. They did a wonderful job.

Have you had sex advance from married men because they see you on screen?
Hmmm yes, they are my fans. And I know when to draw the line. I don’t mix pleasure with work. I am a very busy person.

Do you believe or have you seen actresses sleep their way to the top?
I hear it happens, but you know how people like to say stuff. You must have the skills as an actor to survive around here.

As an actress cum producer; has any of your male colleagues remove his cloth and invite you for sex after romantic scene?
(Laugh loud) I don’t think so. It will never happen because we’re professionals.

What is the greatest temptation you encountered since you became part of Nollywood celebrities?
Temptation, these things happen; but God has always directed my footsteps.

What would you say is you’re selling point?
I would say my carriage. Couple with my appearance. I’m a versatile actress.

Would you go nude for a movie or can you act a movie that you will leave little to our imagination?
Never! Because I’m an African woman. You know the norms. So i wouldn’t.

What is your view on many failed marriages in Nollywood?
It is not only in Nollywood that marriages crash. It happens in other sectors too. It takes grace to stay where there is no peace of mind. But because we are in the public eyes that’s why it’s always obvious to count ours.

What would you do to safeguard your marriage?
I’m just going to hand it over to God through prayer. That’s all.

Are you single or married?
I am single at the moment.

What qualities do you desire in a man?
I love God fearing men, hardworking with good sense of humor. Someone who will encourage my movie career.

If you were not in a relationship; how would you control your sexual urge when it hits you?
I work all the time. So, there’s hardly time to think sex because I am busy with my job.

What is the most favourite part of your sexy body that men, movie makers can’t ignore?
Everything about me is sexy. I am not a frigid person and am not sex symbol freak. But my outlook depicts sexy. That’s all I can say.

Who is your celebrity crush?
Hmmm do I really have one? Maybe RMD. His dress sense