- Celine Dimas is a Nigerian actress and musician from Imo State.
- She tells Nollywood.codewit.com: “I think sexual harassment is everywhere and not just in the entertainment industry.”
- She says: “A lot of people don’t care if you have the talent anymore. It’s all about what you can do for them.”
- She says: “Yes I have faced it and I’m still facing it. Not just in the movie industry, but also in the music industry.”
- “But anytime it comes my way, I simply decline as politely as possible.”
By Joy Ubeku (Inside Nollywood With Joy).
Please tell us about yourself.
I’m Celine Dimas. I’m an actress and a musician from Imo State, but was born and bred in Lagos.
There’s this perennial thing about sexual harassment in Nollywood. What’s your opinion on the issue?
I think sexual harassment is everywhere and not just in the entertainment industry. Speaking as an actress and a musician, it is difficult sometimes except you have someone backing you up financially. A lot of people don’t care if you have the talent anymore. It’s all about what you can do for them. On the other hand we girls need to take it easy and not act desperate, because when you’re desperate you end up doing things you wouldn’t normally do. This is just my opinion.
Has it ever happened to you personally?
Yes I have faced it and I’m still facing it. Not just in the movie industry, but also in the music industry. But anytime it comes my way, I simply decline as politely as possible. But I was a bit surprised about the Arsenal Bruno sex for role scandal I read somewhere. I was originally supposed to play the role in question. But I didn’t, because he changed his original date and the new date clashed with a show I had planned in Lagos. He never asked me for anything. He never even as much as hinted it. So I was kinda shocked when I read that.
What are the tips to becoming a successful actress?
Well, there are no set of rules to becoming anything in life. Different strokes for different people, but personally, I think you need to learn your craft first, and then be determined to do your best to achieve your dreams, no matter what obstacles you may face. As long as you’re determined you won’t be discouraged.
How do you turn a negative situation into a positive one?
Well I don’t believe in negativity. To me, every disappointment is a blessing and a lesson. So whenever things don’t go the way I plan, I never give up. I never over-think it too. Instead I relax and do things that will make me happy.
Are you adventurous?
Lol…I’m a very adventurous person. I love challenges. My music career is a challenge itself. I did my first song (which is the female version of D Banj’s Oliver Twist) without any singing experience. I just woke up and decided to find a studio and a producer. But as much as I believe in being adventurous, I also believe in knowing your craft. So I decided to get a vocal coach and do some acting classes.
Married or seeing someone?
Lol…I’m still single for now, but that’s all I’ll say.
We wish you the best.
Thanks very much.