From Nkechi Chima, Abuja
Popular Kannywood actor, Nuhu Abdullahi, is a gentleman with impeccable humility. A bundle of talent, he has featured in over 40 Hausa movies as well as made a foray into Nollywood, playing alongside top acts like Frank Artus.
In an interview with TS Weekend in Kano, Abdullahi spoke about his career, marriage plans and why Kannywood needs restructuring.
Could you tell us about your background?
I was born in 1987 in Lagos State. My father was a retired army officer. He later became a businessman in Lagos. I grew up in Kano and attended Giginyu Special Primary School. I had my junior secondary school education in Kebbi State, and finished at Government College Kano. I then proceeded to Kano State College of Science and Remedial Studies where I obtained Diploma in English Education and Diploma in Hausa Education. I also attended Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies where I obtained Diploma in Mass Communication. Right now, I am running a degree programme at Bayero University Kano.
How did your foray into Kannywood begin?
I have been in the industry since 2009. My first movie is titled ‘Ashbulkhafi’. I have featured in over 40 Hausa movies including ‘Itemilikhai’. I have also done three English movies entitled ‘Thorny’, ‘There is a Way’ and ‘Light and Darkness’.
Which Nollywood stars have you worked with?
I have worked with Frank Artus. I adore his flair for acting and great sense of humour.
How has life been since you became a popular actor?
Honestly, it’s a great privilege to be an actor in Kannywood. In fact, being a Kanywood actor has opened doors for me. Presently, I’m studying English Language at Bayero University Kano, and I am also supporting my family financially as an actor.
What about your parents?
My dad is late, while my mother is doing great. I have siblings, five boys and two girls.
There is speculation that you are one of the highest paid Kannywood actors, how often do you smile to the bank?
(Laughs) Honestly, I have my bosses like Aminu Saira, and Alli Nuhu. They are the highest paid artists.
There are rules governing Kannywood; recently one of your actresses was banned from acting for featuring in a video tagged ‘Romantic’. I also understand that body contact is not allowed in Kannywood films, could you please throw more light on this?
I think our producers or leaders are in the best position to give details on this.
As a professional actor, do you think your religion should come first?
It’s a rule not to touch, hug, or kiss on set. In fact, religion and culture come first in Kannywood. Basically, we are producing these movies for our Muslim brethren, and it’s against the norms and values of our religion to touch or kiss a lady in a movie, so we must abide by it.
So, you’ve not touched or kissed a woman on set?
Yes, you cannot touch or kiss any woman on set.
But it was rumoured that you kissed an actress on set, how true is this?
It’s a rumour. I didn’t kiss any actress on set.
What are the things you feel should be changed in Kannywood?
There is need to restructure Kannywood. We need discipline among leaders and followers in the industry. The case of Rahama Sadau who was expelled still needs to be understood as a leadership issue. So, you have to respect the leadership of the organisation. In addition, when a leadership is going wrong, there should be advisory council to redirect them.
The Kano State Government recently set up a Censors Board, which suspended many actors for drug addiction and alcoholism; how are you coping with this?
As an actor, it’s dangerous to indulge in illegal acts such as fornication and alcoholism. We are the mirror to the world and therefore should live a life worthy of emulation by our fans.
Is it true that you have relocated to Lagos to enable you concentrate on English movies?
No! I didn’t relocate to Lagos and I don’t have any plan of leaving Kano for Lagos. I always travel to Lagos and other parts of Nigeria to shoot movies, including outside the country.
Are you married?
I am not married
Are you saying you are a bachelor?
Yes!
What are your plans for marriage?
I will marry after my university education. But then, I am still young (laughs).
Are you searching?
I will begin to search in 2017.
What is your ideal woman?
I like a tall, fair complexioned and a little bit slim lady. She must be educated but religious.
You are a handsome guy, how do you cope with the female fans?
Honestly, it’s not easy to stay away from them. As a celebrity, they want to date you or have a relationship with you. It’s more challenging when I am within the university environment. Ladies crush on me but I treat them with humility and respect, the way I will treat my fans.
What are you working on presently?
We are shooting a movie entitled, Yakin Mata (The Battle of Women). I am acting alongside Ali Nuhu and Fati Washa among others.