Hanibat Jinad Sarah is an actress that does not believe in a short cut to fame. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, the single mother of one speaks about life, acting and why she is now a Christian. Excerpts:
What has been happening to your acting career?
I see my career as a privilege to impact lives positively with the talent God gave me and the experience, so far, has been wonderful. I love what I do, irrespective of whatever comes my way. Recently, the experience has been quite hectic. But, at the same time, I am enjoying it. I am currently working on a new project which will be out very soon. My fans should be on the lookout for it, because it is loaded.
The recent death of three notable actors in the industry elicited serious concern from stakeholders as a few people suggested some actors hardly bother about their health status. How would you react to this?
It is not a thing of joy to lose good talents in the industry, but death is inevitable. It is not true that we don’t take care of ourselves. I will not subscribe to the claim that we are not conscious of our health. It is only when things get out of hand that people know what one is facing. I don’t think any actor would want to satisfy his or her fans to the detriment of his or her health. We know the task is challenging. However, I want to use this opportunity to advise my colleagues to concentrate more on their health. It is very important. We need to check our blood pressure and do other necessary things to keep fit. Personally, I do constant checkup and take care of my health.
What is your assessment of the industry?
The industry is growing and the improvement is encouraging. We are better than where we were, but we still need to do more. I want the government to provide good structure and funds to boost the stakeholders, especially the serious-minded ones and the industry at large.
Do you feel threatened by any of your colleauges?
I don’t think anybody can threaten me, because I believe in myself, my talent, and I so much believe in my future. I cannot in any way be intimidated by anyone. I don’t belong to any caucus. I prefer to be alone and remain myself. Also, I don’t believe hanging around with anyone or taking a short cut will make me go a long way in the industry. I only believe in God, who can only take me to the top. I have female friends in the industry, but I have more male friends, because they are always supportive and won’t be interested in ones downfall. They will never be jealous of your accomplishment, but would encourage you, mostly when you are down.
What is your greatest challenge in the industry?
It is fund and this is also the major problem of many actors and the industry as a whole. Once enough funds are available, the talent will surface and one will be able to express oneself in different dimension. However, I will not relent towards giving my best in showcasing my talent. It is not as if I can’t get access to loan, but I don’t like debt at all.
What do you do aside acting?
I am also a music presenter, an entrepreneur and I am currently venturing fully into catering, because I love cooking.
How do you handle your male admirers?
They are many, especially on social media. I receive lots of ‘I love you’, ‘I like you’, as well as lots of funny messages, but I have been able to manage them carefully. I feel it is normal and also acknowledge them because they are all my fans.
How have you been coping as a single mother?
It is stressful, but I thank God for my friends and family; they have been supportive, especially when I am away. It is not easy to be a single mother, considering the responsibility and the challenges that comes with it. Sometimes, I see myself as a man when I encounter some challenges. Generally, the experience has been interesting and I am proud to be a single mother. I don’t have any regrets raising my son alone. I have developed a thick skin that I can never be tired of taking care of him and I will keep doing this until he gets to the level I desire.
Would you encourage him to go into acting?
I once asked him if he would love to go into acting, but he said no, that he would love to become a footballer and use the proceeds from football to take care of me in appreciation for my role in his life. He is kind and obedient.
Would you consider getting married again?
This question is not new. People want to know whether I am going to remarry. I may still consider it, but God’s time is the best. The only thing that will not make me go into another marriage is the issue of pregnancy. It is so hectic and crazy. I have gone through it and I don’t think I can bear the pain again. Kudos to all women, especially those that have three or more kids; I get scared whenever I come across mothers of eight to 10 children. In fact, I can choose to be a single mother for life; it is my life and no one can decide for me. It is not necessarily that I remarry or have another child, because I have gone through hell in life as a woman. I think I am comfortable this way. I cannot imagine how life would be if I have to become a wife again. I might adopt a child should the pressure of my 11-year-old boy who is requesting for a younger one persists. To be honest, even if I might consider to get married again, I don’t pray to experience what I encountered in my first marriage. Recently, my mum even noted that I am a strong lady to have overcome all the challenges. I don’t want to go back to my past; my future is more important to me.
You are a Muslim and it reflected in your dressing, until recently when your mode of dressing changed. What actually happened?
Yes, I am a Muslim by birth, but it got to a point that I had issues using hijab not to talk of tying a scarf. Unknown to many, I have converted to Christianity and my baptismal name is Sarah. I worship in one of the branches of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos, though I am not really a church person. I prefer to communicate with God privately or fast sometimes and I receive instant answers.
What is your advice for up-and-coming artistes?
I want to urge them to be calm, humble and loyal. They must not be in a rush for fame. They should be prayerful and trust God for their breakthrough. To the female, I want to plead with them not to make themselves cheap for fame, because there is time for everything.
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