Halima Abubakar has carved a niche for herself in the Nigerian movie industry. In this interview with Tayo Gesinde, the multiple award winning actress who holds a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Bayero University Kano (BUK), speaks on her rise from grass to grace, her attitude to negative publicity and her fashion preferences. Excerpts:

Growing up.

Growing up was tough, I had to start fending for myself at the age of 14. I worked at Salam Chicken, Bompai Road, Kano. My salary was #3800 . We were however, contented because our mother showered us with love and affection. I went to a lot of schools; primary and secondary schools in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos and Kogi States but managed to finish at Army Day Secondary School, Bukavu Barracks, Kano. I then proceeded to Bayero University, Kano (BUK) where I studied Sociology. I also did my Masters there.

Description of self.

I am a humble and responsible lady.

Foray into acting.

I started watching movies when I was very young. I grew up aspiring to be like those people that I watched. In Kano, what we watched mostly were Indian movies. Thereafter, I started watching Third Eye on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). That was how I fell in love with acting. I started acting long before I entered into the university, it was because I wanted to do something different that I decided to study criminology but I changed my mind again and went back to acting. I won the best actress award for the University of Jos drama group. I gate-crashed into the industry in 1999, when I was on holiday, but stared professionally in 2001, with my first major role in Gangster Paradise.

Since then, I have featured in lots of movies like Area Mama, War in the church, White Hunters, Slip of Fate, Tears of a Child, Secret Shadows and so on.

On scandals and controversies.

I was in school when I was making headlines in the papers and magazines. I was ignorant then but I am now grown up and accountable for my future.

I believe I'm being misunderstood by 80 per cent of people and that made me mysterious. Opinions of others don't matter to me.

Reaction to negative press.

I don't entertain such gossips but they get to write and sell papers. I cry for a while, powder my face then try to remain my positive self.


Definition of style.

Style to me is being comfortable in anything you wear, whether it is a rag, couture or African attire. It also means standing out from the crowd. I love being unpredictable, spontaneous. So, I just drag the first thing I see and off I go, cookie ain't I? I have never followed fashion trend, in fact, I think fashion police are looking for me because I break rules (laughs). Really, I define my style

Beauty regimen.

Oh! I am a Clarins lover, I love using water and Cocoa Butter in the morning and Clarins balm at night. I wash my face with water before anything and I shower three times daily. I have never done facials before but manicure and pedicure are a must for me. I love massage a lot, in fact, I over do it. Indian masseurs are the best and they are very affordable.

Choice of accessories.

I love accessories a lot, I tend to go overboad when it comes to accessories. I indulge a lot in it, so I will give myself an "A" in accessories. When it comes to jewellery, I go for all; gold, silver, costume jewellery and beads. I can't go out without jewellery and that is why I buy them a lot. Same goes for rings and watches, I don't wear ear rings when I am not shooting or going for an event.

Favourite designers.

For perfumes, I like Marc Jacobs, Victor and Rolf, Lovely by SJP, Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger.

When it comes to clothes, I love high streets like H and M, Topshop, Baby Phat and Dereons. I also like coutures and my favourites are; Vivian Westwood, Chanel, Elle Saab, Zuhair Murad, Maqueen, and LV. My favourite designers for shoes and bags are Next, Chanel, Shoe Dazzle, Loubotins and Aldo.

Favourite colours.

Purple, pink, green, blue, rainbow patches and all bright colours. I am the president of colours. I block all.

Fashion icons.

Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Koutney Kadashian, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and Nike Oshinowo.

Most expensive item in my wardrobe.

It is a Cerruti studded limited edition wrist watch given to me by my guy. Can't say the amount, but everybody knows that diamond is expensive.

Opinion on toning.

If your skin is dirty clean it, but only if it is dirty! I love natural colours.

On cosmetic surgery.

I can never do it. God created us for a reason, and I believe it is important for one to age gracefully.

What I will like to change about myself.

My dislike for high heels. I love to wear it because I am expected to. I buy them but only wear them when going for shoot or events. So sad.

Tattoo or piercing.

Tattoo because I love it. My fans know where it is because it is not hidden. Diet or exercise.

I eat right and I do diet but I don't do it as if my life depends on it because I love food. I also run or jog.

Opinion on provocative dressing.

I used to dress provocatively but now am trying to be a role model, so, I now dress stylishly but responsibly and not to impress anyone.

What I won't be caught dead wearing.

See throughs and belly hanging clothes or clothes that set the boobs loose.

My hair and nails.

I love natural looking nails but painted with bold colours like yellow, pink and so on. For hair, I use lace wig or other wigs and I do didi when I am not working .

Special treat.

When I want to pamper myself I sleep. For relaxation, I read.

Secret of beauty.

No secret because I don't fuss over myself, so, I guess it is God.

Asset.

My eyes, it talks. It is definitely my eyes because it is not common.

Advice to women on how to stay young and beautiful.

Exercise, eat right, eat lots of vegetables, drink plenty of water, love yourself deeply, worry less and be happy regardless of what you are going through. My mum told me that doing all these would give one eternal beauty.

Personal philosophy of life.

Free your heart of hatred.

Coping with male admirers.

I tell them I am in love, period. I am not a nice person on phone if it is not about business or fan calling to say hi.

Most embarassing moment.

I do embarrass myself, so, there is no way anybody can embarrass me. I amuse myself.

Most memorable moment.

Waking up everyday to thank God.

Regrets.

A lot, but I am a book with a lot of chapters, so, I keep moving ahead.

My businesses.

I am a farmer, baker and I also sell books and magazines. I sell groundnut too.

I have chicken, turkey, goats and so on in my farm. We also produce yam, cassava and so on. The farm is located in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Pains and gains of being a celebrity.

The gains are more than the pains for some people but in all, nothing in life comes easy.

On matrimony.

Yes, I am in love, but it is my decision not to get married yet, especially when those who are in it are running out of it.

Likes.

I love loyal people because I am loyal, I keep people.

Dislikes.

I hate pretenders and envious people.

Word for my fans.

I love you but God loves you more.