I begged my mother for 15 months to join Kannywood - Asma’u Ahmad Kannywood actress Asma’u Ahmad has been regarded by her fans as the future face of Hausa movies. Her versatility has seen her breaking into the industry within a short period of her entrance. The Niger State born actress spoke on why she joined the movie industry and many more. Excerpts: How would you describe yourself? Asma’u is an easy going person, simple and committed to all that she does. I was born and raised in Minna, Niger State by a disciplined family. Similarly, I did my primary school, secondary school and went to tertiary institution all in Minna; so I am a made in Minna sort of person, if I may say that. I am an NCE holder from College of Education, Minna in PES/Islamic Studies. I grew up in a strict family where everybody respects the next person. Presently I am an actress in Kannywood movie industry; I joined the industry in 2012 while still in school. You said you read Islamic Studies. How did you get into the movie industry? Really, I have never dreamt of acting even if it is on stage. In fact if you asked people around whether I could act or not, their answer will definitely be ‘she can’t’. You will wonder how with this notion in my mind I find myself acting and that’s normal for one to think that way. I have never had the intention of becoming an actress though as a child I loved acting and I loved everything about it, but I had no intention of becoming a part of it. However, along the line, circumstances warranted that I joined the movie industry as an actress. You made mention of circumstances. What are those circumstances? Honestly, I can’t mention them here for as far as I am concerned, they are foregone issues and they should be better left out of this discussion. How many movies have you been involved in so far? As I have told you earlier, I came into the Hausa movie industry in 2012 and I have starred in many movies such as Nas, A Cuci Maza, Basaja Takun Farko, Mugun Mutum and many others making waves in the market. What would you say were your greatest challenges when you joined the Hausa movie industry? There are a lot of challenges really. First of all, I was a new comer and had no prior experience of acting and the second challenge came from my immediate family and friends. You know people have different perceptions about the movie industry. Some see it as an avenue to while away time and have fun while others look at it as a profession. However, I took the movie industry as a lawful business and profession and that is why I am into it. When I approached my mother with the issue of joining the movie industry, she clearly expressed her disapproval. Though she is in the picture circumstances that led to my decision, my mother remained unmoved. It took me one year and three months of begging and explanations to convince her to approve of it, but not without conditions. I had to also explain to my other relatives and friends to get their support. Actually, it was not easy getting their approval, but finally I was able to do that and I am happy that it all happened. The movie industry’s hub is believed to be in Kano State and you reside in Minna. How do you manage to bridge the distance when making negotiations with producers? As I had said earlier, I started when I was still a student. Therefore, I had to schedule myself in a manner that my studies would not be tampered with and my acting career will also be maintained. It wasn’t easy at all, but I thank God for seeing me through successfully. The producers are also accommodating and understanding because they did not make it harsh on me. In fact, they made it easier for me to finish my studies and concentrate on my acting career. Did you find the industry the way you perceived when you joined? Actually I found the industry quite different from what I thought it was. Initially, my thinking was that just anybody could be an actress and earn a living, but when I joined I found out that there is more to it than just being able to act. My being involved in the movie industry has really changed my perception of the industry; I now understand that every actor or actress is indeed a hub of talent and wisdom that not everybody is blessed with such gifts. The first day I was cast in a movie it was like the world had come to an end for me. This is what I had wanted but I was so scared and naïve. I was sweating and shivering when focussed on the camera. I prayed and prayed but yet the anxiety refused to go. It took the patience of the director to convince me that I could do it, which I did. What movie would you say has taken you to the limelight? The movie NAS I believed is the movie that really portrayed my acting capabilities and abilities. You see, I have acted in many movies as a lead female character, but what people recognise me for is the role I played in NAS, though I was just in a few scenes. I was the lead character in the movie Acuci Maza, Mugun Mutum and many more, but NAS gave me the nod to limelight. This is my perception and somebody could have a different view from mine and that’s normal, as far as I am concerned. Is Asma’u into any relationship? If I said no, I will be a big liar. Yes, I am in a relationship Is he an actor? No, he is not. What is the next step for you? I want to proceed with my education. In fact, I have made an attempt last year but I was late. However, this year I will definitely give it a try. dailytrust.ng/sunday/index.php/the-arts/18516-i-begged-my-mother-for-15-months-to-join-kannywood-asma-u-ahmad
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 05:28:37 +0000
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