Playing a woman was demanding – Melvin Dain on role in For Love and Country 2

 Playing a woman was one of the most demanding experiences of his career, Ghanaian actor Mel­vin Dain has revealed, as he takes on a new challenge in the upcoming film For Love and Country 2.

Directed by Shirley Frimpong-Man­so, the sequel sees Dain reprise his role as Joshua, a man involved in a secret affair with the First Lady. To keep their relationship hidden, Joshua is forced to assume a new identity, Serwaa, a woman.

“This is probably one of the most difficult roles I’ve taken in my career,” Dain said. “It challenged a lot of the usual ideas we have in society about men trying to look or act like women. I felt very uncom­fortable each time I wore the gown. But I had to remind myself that this wasn’t Melvin Dain, this was a different character.”

He explained that transforming into Serwaa required nearly two hours of makeup for each shoot, along with a complete change in posture, tone, and body language.

Despite the discomfort, he said the role allowed him to grow as an actor and connect more deeply with his craft.

“It was hard. Really hard,” he admitted. “But I’m glad I did it. It forced me to step out of every com­fort zone I’ve ever known. Letting go of the character after the shoot was tough.”

Dain added that the role demand­ed emotional honesty and was not about mocking femininity.

“It was about survival, vulnera­bility, and love under pressure,” he said.

For Love and Country 2 is expect­ed to premiere later this year.

 By Linda Abrefi Wadie