Bintun Dadin Kowa: I’ll marry an actor if…

Weekend Magazine: You are more popularly known by your stage name Bintun Dadin Kowa…

Yes, Hausa movie fans as know me more as Bintun Dadin Kowa. Bintu is a stage name I adopted in the drama series, ‘Dadin Kowa’ aired on Arewa 24. The drama chronicles the life of the modern day Hausa man and his activities.

WM: For how long have you been acting?

I have been acting for about three years.

WM: What motivated you to go into acting?

My motivation to join the industry came from my zeal to educate people through acting and I believe that is the best way to bring about change to the society. Apart from that, I have this strong love for Hausa and Indian films. I watch Hausa and Indian films frequently even till date. It was based on that that some of my friends suggested that I joined Kannywood. In the beginning, it was like a dream because unlike other colleagues I didn’t have anybody to stand for me. So I struggled on my own, moving from one producer or director to the other until I got accepted and started featuring in films.

WM: Can you recall how many films you’ve featured in?

So far, in these three years, I have featured in many films, but my first appearance on set was in the film called ‘Baba Zubairu’ with a central message to highlight acts of infidelity by men in romantic affairs with their female partners.

WM: How did your parents react when you resolved to go into acting?

In the beginning, it was a serious battle because none of them approved of it. Perhaps it was because of the negative perception people have about female movie practitioners but because I was determined to build a career in acting, I had to convince them though with great difficulty before they allowed me to start featuring in films. Now I must tell you my parents are very proud of me.

WM: How far did you go in your educational pursuit before venturing into acting?

I stopped at secondary school level but Insha Allah very soon I will go back to school to further my education.

WM: What would you say are your challenges as a female artist?

There are various challenges surrounding the profession, so to say, because whenever you are dealing with more than two people, there is bound to be disagreements of some sort which if not carefully managed could escalate to something else. But thank God despite all these, we are making progress.

However, movie practitioners in this part of Nigeria have been perceived negatively irrespective of the fact that they have given their time, energy and resources to serve humanity. Most of the time, people see us as wayward, perhaps because of the roles we interpret in the films despite the fact that it is just an act meant to enlighten the public. Films are not just produced to make people laugh, but to also enlighten public on specific issues. For that message to be communicated properly you must assume a role either as a wayward girl, a kidnapper or drunkard as the case may be, but based on these roles people judge us, thinking that is our real selves.

In fact, we have suffered various stereotypes and name callings from the public. That, I think, is our major challenge as female practitioners in the industry. 

WM: Is this why most actresses’ marriages crash prematurely?

It depends on the people involved; the couple may love each other but along the line you would see a third party intruding in their relationship, feeding one party with negative information about the other, thereby leading to serious issues in their marriage. Most times the parents of the man tend to be this third party with negative opinions about their daughter-in-law based on people’s perception of the female movie practitioner as I mentioned earlier.

After the wedding, some ill-wishers in the neighbourhood may start feeding the man’s parents with a notion that their son is in bad hands. By the time such issues start coming up, after sometime you will hear that the marriage has collapsed.

In a nutshell, the negative perception is a major player in the premature crashing of artistes’ marriages but in all fairness, no woman would go into a marriage with the intent of abandoning her husband after sometime for whatever reason.

WM: Is this not related to disagreement over the woman’s readiness to quit the industry?

Our culture and religion does not permit a married woman to be seen in such kind of public appearances after marriage so any actress who wants to marry must know that her acting stops after marriage. Although some people may share different opinions, but for me after marriage I will quit acting.

WM: Why are marriages between actors and actresses no longer common in Kannywood?

Lack of understanding is responsible. Unlike in the past where the practitioners understood and wished themselves well, those old values are lacking in the industry presently. You know the nature of our work. Today you are here, tomorrow you may travel to another state for shooting, and many allegations may come up from your actions or inactions on locations which may be interpreted wrongly. I however believe that if there is understanding between the two partners, whether in Kannywood or wherever, nothing would stop them from marrying each other. Sani Danja and Mansura are today living a happy married life, and they met in the industry. So, nothing stops intending couples in the industry provided they love and care for each other.

WM: So, can you marry a professional colleague?

Why not? If I love him and he loves me, and we understand ourselves what else do we need? The basic thing is love and understanding but nobody says actors and actresses in Hausa movie industry should not marry each other. I am ever willing to marry an actor provided he loves me and he is responsible.