As actor, some roles are not worth taking – Ali Nuhu

Ali Nuhu is undoubtedly the most popular Kannywood actor who also forays his acting profession into Nollywood. Ali indeed is no dark horse in the industry as he is often referred to as the King of Kannywood. In this interview with ALIYU ASKIRA in Kano, the ace actor discusses his role modeling, family and future plans.

How did you come about the name, King of Kannywood?
Well, is not like I was nominated by an organization in a contest to be King of Kannywood, the name was given to me by my fans who over the years believe that my star has continued to shine above other members of the industry. Over the years, I won several Laurels in Nollywood and featured in more than 70 successful films, which has earned me a fortune. I am a brand ambassador of several companies. I have been in the industry for a very long time and have earned a reputation for myself. Nobody would tell you that he has ever seen me in a uncompromising place with any female member of Kannywood, what I mean is that I love my family and I will never cheat on my wife.

You read Geography in the University. How did you find yourself in acting profession?
Yeah, I read geography at my first degree and I also have Masters Degree and am now planning for my Ph.D. On how I got myself in this profession, it ia a sheer coincidence. When I was in University of Jos, I saw an announcement on NTA Jos inviting young men and women for an auditioning, I went there and I was one of those successful. That’s how I started acting.

Tell us a bit about your family
Well, I am married to Maimuna Ali Nuhu from Kaduna but her parents are actually from Zaria. We have two children: Sadiya and Ahmed. My children are also taking after me because they are both acting. Ahmed can also dance very well like me. Whenever I am not on location, I am always at home with my family sometimes; I take them out for shopping, visiting friends or for other issues to make them happy. My wife is also producing films. In fact, I have nothing to tell my wife but to thank almighty God for giving me an understanding woman like her. My house is always busy, she hardly gets time to be alone.
Could you tell us some of your films that you cherished most?
They are three: ‘Sangaya’, ‘Fil Azal’, and ‘Wasila’. The truth is I can’t choose which one I like most among the three, but ‘Sangaya’ is very special. The day it was released, somebody came to me and said he went to town but quickly returned home because there was demonstration in town. On enquiries, I found out that it was actually people rushing to where they would buy ‘Sangaya’ that was just released. ‘Sangaya’ was produced by Sarauniya Films, but later, when I discover that I needed to put my money too into the Industry, I established FKD so that I can give other talented young men and women the opportunity to excel.

What is the truth about the much taunted rumour that you, Sani Danja and Nura Inuwa are enemies?
It is not true. I did several films with Sani Danja. Go and watch ‘Gani Gaka’ where both of us featured in the film prominently. The film was produced by Sani’s Company, 2 Effects Empire and we did several other films jointly. So, Sani is not my enemy. In fact, I don’t have enemy in Kannywood. As for Nura, he is a singer while I am an actor so how can we be enemies? I also played lead roles in films which Nura composed the songs. Very soon I will work on a film that Nura will compose the song for me. So we are not enemies.

In Kannywood, the names like Sani Sadiq Sani, Sadiq Ahmad, Ramadan Booth, Nuhu Abdullahi, Late Ahmed S. Nuhu, Babale Hayatu, Adam A. Zango to mention a few are all your boys. Also, Nafisa Abdullahi, Hadiza Gabon, Halima Atete, Ladidi Fagge and several others as those you assisted to grow in the industry, what do you want to prove again?
I like this question. God has been kind to me. I visited several countries in the world like India, America and Britain. I was in most Southern cities to shoot films. I visited all 19 Northern states and I have chains of followers. Having achieved this and to further buttress this point, I decided to produce the film “Gamunan dai” where I featured young men that I am grooming who are likely going to take over from me someday. Remember I am not a young man, at least I am above forty. With this, I am trying to create opportunities for others to grow. Also, as time goes on, I will be producing films that will be promoting these young men and women.

You acted some nasty films in Nollywood sometime ago; didn’t it cause problems between you and your wife?
My wife is very understanding. I am an actor interpreting scripts written by others. Actually, there are some films if given the chance again to do I will not. As an actor, some roles are not worth taking no matter what is involved. However, my most challenging period was when I was on a location in Jos featuring in a film called ‘Stander’. My wife just put to bed then. She gave birth to Ahmed. I was to be away for one week but I ended spending one month, and it was during raining season and you know Jos during raining season. It was difficult for me.

Have you ever dated any lady in Kannywood?
The answer is no, and I pray it will not happen.

Are you interested in politics?
The answer again is no. I am not interested in politics.