Maryam Abubakar, popularly known as Rufaida, in the popular Hausa film series, Kwana 90, of Arewa 24, has been twinkling in Kannywood for half of a decade. Maryam has featured in many big films that made her popular within a very short time. In an exclusive interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU, she speaks on a variety of issues including how she luckily found her way into the Hausa film industry as well as and how she rose to stardom.
Background
Firstly, my name is Maryam Abubakar, popularly known as Rufaida. I was born and brought up in Lagos state. I also had my primary and secondary education in Lagos. From there, I didn’t proceed to a higher institution.
How did you get into the film industry?
You know, man proposes but God disposes. Sincerely speaking, film was my dream. It has impressed me since I was a kid. When I came to Kano state, I, fortunately, witnessed how films are made. My desire to feature in films then arose. There would be an audition for a film titled Bilkisu. When I got to know about it, I rushed and participated in it, and by the grace of Allah, I won.
In what year did you join Kannywood?
I joined the industry somewhere around the end of 2017.
What was your first film?
My first film was Bilkisu. I played the role of Jaruma Bilkisu. Many film stars partook in the film audition, but I luckily received a call informing me that I was the winner of the role.
What role did you play in the film?
I was Jaruma Bilkisu, the lead character of the film. If you watch the film you will realise that the whole story was about Bilkisu. She was a good girl that loved reading and engaging in human development.
How many films have you featured in so far?
The number of films I have already featured in so far are about 20. Some of them include Bilkisu, Hadin Zumunci, Kwana 90, Dan Yau A Birni, and Baki Biyu.
How did you get the chance to feature in the popular Kwana 90 series?
Likewise Bilkisu, I got a chance to play a role in Kwana 90 through a film audition. I couldn’t get the chance in their first season, but luckily I got the chance in the second season.
Can you remember any scene in your films that became very difficult for you?
Yes, of course; there was a scene that I’ll never forget. It was in that film, Bilkisu. What happened in the scene was that my younger brother would chase me with a machete in a dream. Mistakenly, the machete struck me. It took me two days to stop feeling the pains resulting from the strike. I really suffered in the film, which is the reason I can hardly forget about it.
On the other hand, can you remember a particular scene in your films that excites you whenever you remember it?
It is also the film, Bilkisu, where I was shown advising my students in the class about morality and peaceful living.
Would you tell us some of your greatest achievements so far?
Well, I’ve nothing to say but Alhamdulillah. I’ve achieved a lot of things in my film career.
What have been your challenges?
Pheew, I faced a lot of challenges from my parents. You know, it’s not any kind of parents that will directly give you a nod to join the film industry at once, especially me that would leave my state of birth to a distant state solely for a film career. But with the help of God, they understood me and permitted me after I kept asking and explaining things to them.
What do you hope to achieve in Kannywood in the long-run?
My goal is to become famous in the industry and to rise to the level of a film producer. I consider film as a business; that’s why I got the ambition.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is fruit and I can survive on them alone.
What about your best dress?
I like abaya gowns more than any other dress.
Do you have any business besides film?
Yes, I also engage in another business. I buy goods from Lagos and Cotonou and sell them here.
What is your advice to the leaders of Kannywood and your associates in the industry?
My advice to the leaders of the industry is to put more efforts into ensuring discipline among all the members of the industry. If anyone does anything wrong, he should be penalised according to the depth of his action. They are trying to ensure sanity in the industry, but I still urge them to add more effort. Other members of the industry should try to be obedient to the leaders and always do what’s good.
