Saratu Abubukar Zazzau, popularly known as Dr Grema in the popular Hausa TV series, Kwana Casa’in that aired on Arewa24 has shared with Daily Trust how she was selected in the series, her journey and her next move.
Tell us about your journey into Kannywood?
Talking about my journey in Kannywood, I was initially a koroso dancer, which was the most popular Hausa dance back then. I was a popular koroso dancer before I ventured into acting.
- Police inspector nabbed for harassing motorist over tinted permit
- Court orders final forfeiture of Diezani’s Lekki property
My first movie was ‘Bakar Ashana’ produced by Aminu Momoh in 2002. But the problem was I started acting without the knowledge of my parent. So after I acted in about 15 movies, my parents saw me in a movie, and decided to marry me off to stop me from acting. You know in Hausa land, there was that misconception about film, and filmmakers, but thank God things are changing now.
I was off the industry for about 10 years before I bounced back after my marriage crashed.
How did you become Dr Grema in Kwana 90?
It was my brother that sent me a link via WhatsApp that an audition is going at Arewa24, and that he has seen a perfect role for me in Dr Grema. I was like how should I start going for an audition despite my name and status. If they want me they should invite, so I was reluctant to go. After his persistence, I decided to attend the venue, I saw many people which again forced me to stay back.
He came again insisted that I must do the audition as Dr Grema. So I accepted. He then recorded my acting, and we sent the short video. After some time, I received a message that I should send the video again, unfortunately I had deleted it, but luckily enough for me, my brother still had it. So I sent it again, and the director called that I have been selected to act as Dr Grema in the series and that is it.
How movies have you acted in so far?
I can’t put an actual figure to it. But they may be like 50 or so.
Which among them is your best?
I think one of the best is ‘Wakili’, which was a blockbuster movie directed by Falalu Dorayi. You will be surprise to know that I only appeared in a special appearance, but fans said I played a better role in the few scenes I appeared more than some of the major actors. I think it’s still one of the best films that attracted viewers in the cinema.
Looking back, however, talking about success, ‘Kwana 90’ is the best. People now call me Dr Grema more than my name.
More people, and even big personalities watch ‘Kwana 90’ more, so I am not surprised.
Can we now say ‘Kwana 90’ has opened doors for you?
Oh, yes! It has opened many doors for me that were hitherto beyond my reach. Now many directors call me to come and act for them.
And, I also sing for politicians, and I’m into politics. You will be surprised that because of the film, in an event full of politicians shout my name, Dr Grema! Dr Grema!!. So even the politicians that I was looking for before are now looking for me.
In the series, you are in love with AVM, but he’s not interested?
(Laugh). Even on social media I receive messages like that, people saying since he is not interested in me, I should just forget about him, why I am forcing myself in him?, etc. And outside the film, people ask me where is your AVM, or where is Yasmin?
What are the challenges?
In life, there are challenges everywhere, but I always try to move on and don’t let any problem weigh me down.
But there is something I am yet to forget. There was a time I was called to do an advert for some people. I was happy and I even informed my people. After arriving the venue, I was given the script, and it was an advert against Atiku Abubakar. I was shocked because I am a well known fan of Atiku Abubakar, so I wondered why was I selected to campaign against him? I sensed foul play, and I rejected the offer despite the huge money involved.
What is your next ambition?
I thank God so far. I think the best for me is getting married again and settle down. But if the right husband doesn’t come in time, I will continue acting and I hope to be bigger in the industry.
….but there is that notion that Kannywood actors hardly marry and settle down?
That is not truth. There is no woman in this world that will marry and want a divorce. It is just circumstances. If you are happy in your home, why will you want to get divorced? No, that is wrong.
Meanwhile, there are thousands of divorcees out there, but people don’t even care about them. That is another disadvantage of popularity, anything about us must get out to the people. But there are many Kannywood actresses that are happily married like Safiya Musa, Maijidda Abdulkadir, Abida and many more.
Will you continue acting after you marry?
That will depend on who I marry. If I get the right husband, we will sit with him and decide together. But I don’t have a problem quitting the film industry to take care of my home. All I want is a happy home.
What’s your advice for young ladies intending to join the industry?
My advice to young ladies coming into the industry, is to kindly study the industry first. If I should advise them from deep inside my heart, I will tell young ladies not to join the industry, but if they must join, then their parent should bring them by themselves and hand them over to any senior man in the industry with amana that he’ll take care of their daughter. But that is my opinion. Young girls should focus more on their studies, build a career and get married. That is better for them than joining film industry.
Do you regret joining the industry?
No, I do have any regrets. I am just advising young girls that want to join us because after many years, I must have learnt many lessons to share with others.
Any message to your fans?
I thank them, and I appreciate and love them all. Their love will not be taken for granted. They should keep expecting the best from me.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.