Mumbi’s major triumph

With a breathtaking sexy figure to complement her acting prowess, hot siren Mumbi Maina, is slowly cutting her niche in the film industry.The youthful three-time Kalasha Awards nominee talked to AUSTINE OKANDE about her journey into the limelight

Pulse:  What was your first major role in film?

Mumbi: I played a girl called Riziki in Unseen, Unsung, Unforgotten. Riziki is an eccentric, bubbly, spoilt girl used to getting her way in everything. She ends up stuck in a rut, so to speak, as the story unfolds. It was a very exciting role.

P:  Is the feeling we get from your role as Riziki similar to the real Mumbi Maina?

M: I am not someone who can be boxed in one character. I try not to take life too seriously and I believe in making the most of every opportunity as long as it betters whom I am.

P: Have you ever been misunderstood in your acting career?

M: Many times, people assume I am the character I play. That has been a bit of a challenge, especially after my role in Unseen, Unsung, Unforgotten and Mali (Nandi). Both roles were rather controversial.

 P: You have had your share of drama in the film industry just like everyone else...

M:  Drama happens! I hate dealing with unnecessary drama, especially when people start getting personal. It takes away from the craft.

P: Are you suggesting that it hasn’t been a smooth ride?

M: It hasn’t been the easiest journey and I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices and difficult choices. All in all, every moment in the film industry has been a learning experience.

P: Was there a time you felt you wanted to give up?

M: Oh yes, many times! At some point I quit before starting afresh.

P: Looking back, what lessons have you learnt from the experiences?

M: An actor is only as good as his or her last project.

P: Besides the challenges, you have had high moments, right?

M: Yes! I have been working with a great team of professionals. The team has nurtured me and helped me explore different options in the film industry. They push the buttons harder every time, pushing me to places I barely knew existed. That’s a major high for me.

P: How was it working with Nigerian screen goddess Rita Dominic in Sha4

ttered?

M: Amazing. Rita is a great actress. 

P: It is every local actor’s dream to be nominated for Kalasha Awards. You have been nominated severally...

M: It’s a great honour to have received three Kalasha nods at such an early age in my acting career. I plan to keep the momentum. This is just the beginning of big things to come.

P: When did your passion in acting start?

M: It’s a passion I discovered a little later in my life. I worked in the corporate world for a while, but once I got into acting, I never looked back.

P: Besides acting, what do you do?

M: I do television production. I am a creative person, so anything that gets my juices flowing has my attention. My hobbies are swimming, reading, styling, dancing and yoga. I recently took up golf.

P: Talking of dancing, you are the video vixen in Bamboo’s Compe video but people hardly know that.

M: Yes I am. Enough said!

P: Who is your favourite actor or actress?

M:  I would say Mkamzee Mwatela. Internationally, at the moment, I am completely a Kerry Washington great fan. I suspect if I met her, I would just stare at her like a startled fan.

P: What is your dating philosophy?

M: It’s important that the person I am dating complements who I am and I do the same for him. That way, we bring out the best in each other as two complete individuals.