Shushu Abubakar, in this interview by ROTIMI IGE speaks on acting as a career and how fame and fortune are smiling on her, after many years of sacrifice in Nollywood.
Nollywood has made many famous to the point that even music artistes now jostle for roles. Did you see the industry as that ticket to fame or are you just passionate about acting?
I think it takes a lot of talent and hard work to become successful in both the movie and music industries. So much time and hard work is put in motion and one of the rewards is fame. I started out as a nine to five(er) and I have worked with various reputable companies, but I have always had people around me who think I would do well in the movie industry, and they encouraged me to try it out. That gave me the kick I needed, so here I am.
What was the process like getting into the industry?
It was tough. But then again, nothing good is handed to anyone on a platter of gold. I tried dipping a leg in the industry long ago, but I guess I wasn’t ready for the heat so I pulled out and focused on other things, but my passion for acting didn’t depreciate one bit and it wouldn’t go away, so I came back to give it all I have.
To date, how many films have you worked in, and which is your best work?
I have done a number of movies and they all came with their own different challenges and highlights. In different ways, they have all helped me to fine-tune my craft, so just like a mother won’t pick a favourite out of her children, I don’t feel it’s right to have a favourite out of the movies I have done.
Was there any point you considered giving it all up and dabbling into business or other ventures?
I did almost give up at some point as I mentioned earlier. What I didn’t realise was that nothing comes easy or maybe I didn’t know it would be that tough. But hey! There is nothing wrong with retreating to re-strategise to propel faster and further. Yoruba people will say knowing the difference between fight and flight is the mark of a brave person.
Which is your most challenging work so far?
That would be ‘Strain’. I couldn’t hold back tears on our visit to the sickle cell foundation at Idi Araba. ‘La Familiar’, the series also came with plenty of challenges, but I am appreciative of all I learnt during their shoots.
Did you ever go to go to school to study acting? What’s your educational background?
No. I never studied acting as a degree. I studied Microbiology as a first Degree at Olabisi Onabanjo University. I also have a Masters in Human Resources Management from Lagos State University. But I did take a lot of tutoring from a couple of directors in the industry to complement what I already have.
Actresses today are a dime a dozen. What quality makes you different from the general populace?
Over the years, my perception of life and society have changed. It takes going through certain experiences to get to this phase and mindset. It’s has motivated me to become very expressive and give my all in anything I do. Plus, not to toot my own horn; people generally love me.
Do you plan to also produce your own films someday?
Yes, I do, it’s one of my goals. My movie has to be epic and well perfected, so there is no rush. One step at a time, we will get to that bridge soon then cross it majestically.
What’s your speciality, Yoruba or English movies?
Both. I communicate well in both languages, though I started out in the English setting. My father is from Ikare Akoko in Ondo State and my mum is from Sagamu in Ogun State. I decided to also take advantage of my knowledge of Yoruba by partaking in some Yoruba movies. I also speak a mean Ibadan dialect.
Who are some of the big names you’ve worked with, both filmmakers and actors?
Ngozi Ezeonu, Gloria Anozie Young, Alex Usifo, Bimbo Akintola, Oluwatoyin Adewunmi, Uduak Obong Patrick and others.
You’re a beautiful woman with fame to boot, how do you handle weird proposals. Do you ever get any, especially in your DMs?
Proposals come with the territory, be it weird, clumsy or sweet. I am a very diplomatic person, I handle these proposals to the best of my ability without making anyone feel unnecessarily special or hurting anyone’s feelings in the process. I do get a lot of proposals in my DM and that is normal as a single lady. I accord all messages in my DM with the same amount of regard and respond appropriately.
What other talents do you have? Or which other career would you have chosen?
I do present/ host/ compere events too. I also sing well. I have a mean voice (or maybe the walls of my bathroom have been lying to me). I am also a great dancer, no cap on this one.
Controversies are a big part of fame. Are you naturally a controversial person, or is it something you can do just to increase fame?
I don’t need controversies or have to be controversial to stay relevant in the industry. It’s unnecessary. However, as a very expressive and opinionated person that I am, it itches and my reflex won’t allow some topics to slide past me without me giving my two cents.
What do you believe is your biggest and best physical asset?
My communication skills. I know how to put my thoughts, ideas and feelings into words without omitting, stuttering or mixing anything up, even if it requires me to switch gears between English and Yoruba Language. It has helped me to be flexible and blend in different settings. I am also a very funny person when I want to be.
What kind of roles would you refuse to take as an actress?
The ones passing the wrong messages either about me (my personality), a concept or ideology. I would not outrightly turn it down at first, I would rather speak to the producer about it and share my thoughts and see if amendments can be made. But if we can’t be on the same page then I will diplomatically walk away.
and then