Beatrice Williams Auta, the Kannywood actress who played the role of Stella in Arewa24’s ‘Dadin Kowa’ series, is an interviewer’s delight any day.
In a chat with Daily Trust, the actress shared interesting things about herself. She spoke on growing up, the schools she attended, her private life and the things she would have changed in the Hausa film industry if she had the power.
She also responded to the allegation that there are homosexuals in Kannywood and highlighted some of her challenges in the industry. Enjoy the interview.
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Beatrice Williams Auta, popularly known as Stella Dadin Kowa.
I was born and brought up in Kaduna, but I’m actually from Taraba State.
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I attended primary and secondary schools in Kaduna and studied English & Drama at Kaduna State University.
I’m from a family of two daughters. My dad is late but my mom is alive.
What attracted you to the Hausa film industry?
Well, I chose Hausa film because I’m a northerner and a Hausa speaker.
I chose Hausa film to entertain, enlighten, and also educate people via this particular language.
When I was a little girl, I loved Indian movies. Till date, I love their dance, romance and everything.
And when you watch Hausa movies, you will see how they adopt Indian culture. In the north, we have a reserved culture, that’s why I chose to start with Hausa movies.
When did you start featuring in films?
I started featuring in Hausa movies in 2017.
What was your first film?
My first and favorite is ‘Dadin Kowa’
How many films have you featured in so far?
I think so far, I have featured in between 10 and 15 films.
Are you married?
The truth is that no matter what, I don’t talk about my personal life in public. Please can we move on to the next question?
In the industry, who are those you admire?
Let me start by saying I love Adam A. Zango, Ali Nuhu, and the actresses I love are Rahama Sadau and Nafisa Abdullahi.
Recently, there have been so many controversies in Kannywood, what do you think is responsible for this?
Well, I think Kannywood has been facing a lot of controversies because the aspect of professionalism has been neglected.
This can be due to funding; it is not easy to get quality equipment for production.
Also, the actors [are] cast based on sectional sentiment, no professionalism in the act of film making, so I think that is one of the reasons for this.
You are one of the key characters in ‘Dadin Kowa’, a very successful series, but suddenly you disappeared. Is there any reason for that?
Yes. I disappeared but I don’t know why I disappeared; there is no reason to be precise. I don’t know if I will appear again.
There are rumours that some of the actors of ‘Dadin Kowa’ had friction with the management of Arewa24, and this led to their removal from the series. What can you say on that?
As you said, it’s a rumour.
I can’t really talk about others but myself. I don’t really have any issue with the management of ‘Dadin Kowa’ but I can’t say for others.
It’s possible that the management had issues with me, but I never had issue with anybody because I always did what they wanted me to do.
“Maybe the management had issue with you?” Can you elaborate on that?
I said maybe, I am not certain because in the industry somebody might decide not to like you naturally, and somebody might decide to like you and favour you.
So, I’m not saying there is any issue. I’m saying maybe but I don’t know, seriously.
Do you think politics played a role in the friction among Kannywood celebrities?
Most conflicts you see in any society are connected to politics.
Politics is a game of interest and the industry has a lot of sections with different interests.
There’s an allegation that some of the stars in Kannywood are gays/lesbians, what can you say about this?
You said rumours and rumours are what you might possibly hear but not see.
So I have been hearing same thing but I have not encountered any.
Do you face any challenge in the industry as a result of not being Hausa?
Yes I do face challenges.
What are the challenges?
The first is religion, then tribalism. Because some of the producers believe if you are not a real Hausa person, you cannot translate or give them what they want.
It’s like there is a specific Hausa that is commonly used in Kannywood.
Even though we are all northerners, they feel there is a particular standard of Hausa that must be spoken.
I think those are major problems.
Can you marry someone in Kannywood?
Yes, of course. I can, I think that will make a good combination.
Or is there someone already?
This is confidential. When it’s time, you will know.
Can you give us a hint about the guy?
Okay, he is very tall, is that a hint?
If you had the power to fix a problem in Kannywood, what would that be?
Firstly, I’m going to foster unity in the industry. Unity among the producers, actors, directors and others.
Secondly, collaboration with others, I mean those in Nollywood, and this is targeted at making our films go beyond where they are now.
Thirdly, I will make sure we organise more trainings for our cast and crew, so that we can compete with foreign films.
To be honest, we have good stories and very lovely locations.
What is your main goal in Kannywood?
I’m building myself and my career. I’ll soon start producing a new project,
By the grace of God, I’m going to grow that way and become a top Kannywood actress.
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