Samira Rukayya Saje, 22, is a graduate of Kaduna Polytechnic, an Actress and a Masters Stroke (an association that assists people with stroke) Ambassador. In this chat with Aliyu Abubakar Askira, she discusses her achievements so far.
How did you emerge as Stroke Ambassador?
Masters stroke saw my profile on the internet; they approach me and later appointed me. Some folks said my beauty and intelligent interviews in the media made them to notice also, I always pray hard for God to open doors of success for me.
What does it entail being a Stroke Ambassador?
We are dealing with matured people and it is a decent association. Whenever we are going on visits, they take responsibility of our feeding, accommodation, transport, and other packages, but when they signed me initially they paid me the sum of N1.5 million.
Tell us about yourself?
I am Fulani by tribe, and a 22 years old graduate of banking and finance from Kaduna Polytechnic. I attended victory international School; Jalingo and Global Computers. I joined Kannywood through the popular Jos based actor, Tijjani Faraga who is a friend to my uncle I am happy to be an actress, I love the job. so far, I have featured in successful films like Farin Wata Azeemah, Harda Mjina Makira, Kukan Karshe and host of others.
Some time ago a modeling company approached me and wanted to sign me for a job, they offered a good remuneration but apart from the pictures of me that they will take in hundreds they wanted me to but I didn’t like the idea of exposing my body because I am a devout Muslim from a decent home so I turned down the offer. This has made me not to model.
What is your take on the increasing rate of failed marriages of successful actresses and other ladies?
The truth is people are not being sincere and God fearing anymore. Some people marry actresses because of their desire to have them and later dump the marriage; all they want is to brag that they married someone of that class. It is sad that some men pretend to be in love with you, they try to have an affair with you but when you refuse, they pretend to be serious and come up with marriage proposal but once the marriage is contracted and they got what they want next they will start creating unnecessary problems so that the marriage will not last. To be honest every woman wants her marriage to be successful.
If you are into this business there are some things that definitely one will hate to see but it’s all acting. People complain of the way we dress but some actresses or actors dress the way they do based on the script and the thinking of the Director, though it’s a matter of choice because you either reject it or take it.
The level of education and awareness is also an issue, if the level of education and awareness in the north is high, dressing to interpret a script will no longer be an issue in most homes, Hausa homes.
Is it true that most actresses compromise their bodies just to get movie roles?
Well, it has never happened to me, even the boyfriends I have they are casual ones. When Gods time for me to get married comes I believe the right person for me will find me. I can marry a poor person because God can bless two of you and make you rich.
Those who compromise their bodies are quack actors and actresses and some of them are not members of the industry. I will urge everyone of us to fear God and stop portraying us in bad light, because in want to be able to allow my children also be actors if they so desire knowing that the profession is noble.
What if you are giving romantic roles would you take it?
Well, the truth is this is Kannywood not Nollywood, bollywood or Hollywood so as a Hausa Fulani, Muslim I can’t kiss on stage or hug in fact even my students in my school, if you don’t know me I will never advertise myself that I am an actress but some students come to me and ask are you Samira Saje I will laugh and say yes. Please those who are watching us should wish us well, there are temptation in every profession the world is a global village you also asked how I will be staying in hotels well if I travel to a place I have relations, I stay with them staying in hotels it’s okay by me
Looking at you, one will see a matured robust and a ripe beauty ready for the modern world nothing suggest that you are only 22 years tell me, are you sure the environment is kind to you?
Long laughter, I thank you Larry King, I know what you mean and where you are coming from I am 22 years and fully matured, and also beautiful like you keep on emphasizing, but belief me I am as innocent and as holy as holy water, my appearance should not deceive you ask my colleagues.
Well I am in Kano to do a job for (MIA) Mohammed MIA and I put in my relations house as for being friendly, I am an Artist I need fans, I entertain people so I don’t have to be rigid or frowning face, I am happy the way I am.
What is your future plans, is it true politicians wants you to do commercials for them?
Not yet, I was told they asked other ladies that were nominated for the contract, to grant interviews to some national dailies, to test their intelligence and exposure, already as for me, The Blueprint, Daily Trust, Film Magazine and Rariya published interview extensively with me so I don’t have problem in that respect, somebody close to me has submitted my pictures and profile to them and I am waiting for their final decision.
