Born and raised in Jos, Plateau State, Nafisa Abdullahi is one of those faces you always see popping up on the big or small screen as far as Kannywood home video is concerned, and you invariably find yourself asking, “Wasn’t she the queen and star of ‘Sai Wata Rana’,? a movie that really became the test of time, and you would be right. Also referred to as ‘Sai Wata Rana’ by her teeming fans, Nafisa made her film debut in 2009, in Sani Mu’azu’s ‘Haaja,’ and literally continued to earn her stripes to date. Recently, the beautiful, actress was honoured with Best Actress Award by The Young Northerners For Excellence, at the prestigious Arewa House, Kaduna. The award, according to her is the best thing that made her dream come to reality. In this interview with AL-AMIN CIROMA, Kannywood’s own Preity Zinta’ discussed her experience in Kannywood and issues bordering scandals in the industry. Excerpts:
Am I right to consider Nafisa as an A-list Kannywood actress?
(Laughs) A star is a star, it depends on how you see it, A-list or not. It doesn’t hide.
Show business is a kind of rendezvous where things happen the way they happen. Some artistes are involved in series of scandals, while others may be victims of favouritism and stuff like that. Were you involved in any show of shame since you made your debut?
None, I have never been involved in any scandal whatsoever.
I want you to be honest because this is a very sensitive question. Is it true that you once encountered heartbreak in the industry…?
(Inhales again) No! Umm… yes! It is true, I once fell in love with one of the artistes in Kannywood, but as usual, stars hardly stick to one particular girl, so it crashed.
It was painful though, but I have been kind of preparing myself. I’ve been taking the pains in my stride. I find it quite amusing reading about some scandals on pages of dailies or magazines. So I just kind of let it be.
Any mastermind?
(Laughs) No, no! Some things are better left unexplained, most especially one’s privacy. It used to hurt, but I am good now. No more reocurrence. I won’t give in anymore!
As beautiful and sultry as you are, were you ever harassed by a producer/director or top actor for favours?
No, I don’t believe in that, although so many things are happening under the sun. It happens in schools, banks, etc. It does not only happen in the Hausa film industry.
I want to ask you straight, how do you wriggle out of such situations and were you ever tempted?
(Laughs) Please, please stop it. I won’t be tempted Insha Allah. God is in control.
But have you had an encounter with an actor who wanted favours from you for roles?
No, never!
You mean if a handsome man winks at you invitingly you won’t respond?
(Laughs) I have total control of myself and I pray a lot, simple!
