By TONY OGAGA ERHARIEFE, CHIOMA OKOLI & RUMMY CHUKWUMA

Actress and TV talk show host, Mona Lisa Chinda- Coker, who had her tra­ditional wedding a while ago won the DALA award for Most Outstanding Talk Show Host of the Year dur­ing the maiden edition of the awards which was held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. In this chat with Enter­tainer, Monalisa talks about her award and why she chose Greece for her church wedding ceremony.

Excerpts:

What does this award mean to you?

This award means that I’ve done something very impactful. I’ve launched a show that people have embraced. My TV talk show is one thing that I have always wanted to do. It was a 10-year plan. Thank God I got it right. Even my senior col­leagues in the talk show business are saying ‘Lisa, you got it right and we pray you’re able to sustain it.’

What are your challenges?

I thought it was an easy thing but it was not. You have to think about funding and how you will pay TV stations. You have to think about hav­ing your own studio to monitor your work. I don’t have a studio so I am going through hell trying to put stuff together and monitoring everybody because I know how I want my talk show to be. I ended up going to learn editing and how to be a better presenter. It is a lot of work! I am telling you, you can’t do talk show and want to continue acting.

Recently you had your tradi­tional wedding ceremony, how did you meet your husband?

I have said it over and over again, he is my friend.

We hear that you are headed for Greece for a fairy tale wed­ding.

(Laughter) Yes, I am going to Greece but it is not a fairy tale wedding-o. It is just church blessing.

Why Greece?

Greece is synonymous with our work. It is home to theatre. Greece is home to aesthetics, beauty and ancient history. So basically, it is a beautiful place. It is where acting started from. I just wanted some sort of drama in my wedding. I don’t know how to explain it but I intend to do what nobody else has done before.

How are you coping with mar­riage, your talk show and the movies?

I have someone who is backing me up and that is my husband. If you are not linked to the right partner, you’re in trouble.

So, when are you jetting to Greece for your wedding?

Soon.