I got obsessed with acting while in secondary school – Actress Sareena

Sadiya Abdulkadir, popularly known as Sareena, is one of the few upcoming artists making waves in the Hausa entertainment industry. In this interview, the Bauchi State-born actress talks about her secret to stardom, among other issues.

Who is Sadiya Abdulkadir? Sadiya Abdulkadir is an easy-going girl, born and raised in Bauchi State. I did my primary and secondary schools all in Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State. I also did my Islamic studies there, before relocating to Kano State to join Kannywood.

Presently, I’m an actress or rather an upcoming actress who is striving to make a name in the industry. Moreover, people usually tell me that I am very lucky to have come this far within a short period of time. This encourages me whenever my career is being discussed and I am grateful to God for making it possible for me to have gone this far.

Did you proceed with your educational pursuit while in Kano?

Actually, I haven’t because I’m currently busy trying to build my career as an actress. However, I have plans to proceed with my educational pursuit soon, but for now, I am all about building a career as an actress. I have a strong zeal to continue with my studies and that has been a force behind my resolution to pursue education to the highest level.

Many artists faced challenges convincing their families on their decision to join the industry. Did you face that challenge?

Actually, I didn’t. I got obsessed with acting while in secondary school and after my graduation, I told my parents about my intention of joining the filmmaking industry. They sat me down and lectured me on how a true daughter of theirs should conduct herself while away from them; it was a lecture that would remain with me till the end of my life.

I came to Kano and stayed with my brother who later took me to get registered with all the relevant authorities. That was how I started; my own case wasn’t like others. My parents prayed for me and gave me their consent to be an actress and I have fulfilled all criteria to be fully involved in the system.

Can you tell us the first film you starred in?

Yes, it is called ‘Sirrin Boye’ and I later featured in another ‘Mai Martaba’ and some others that I cannot easily remember their names now. It was after those films that I was discovered by director Hassan Gigs who introduced me to the TV series ‘Aliya’. It was in the TV series that I got my breakthrough. The role I played in the series has earned me huge recognition.

What is the role?

It’s the role of a spoilt child who’s not in her father’s house. In the film, I was a drug addict, miscreant and a spoilt child in someone’s house. I was given chances far above the sons and daughters of the family simply because my mother in the film bewitched my step father. The character of Zainab in Aliya was a role I played as a supporting actress which gave me an edge in the industry.

Have you ever been subjected to any form of ridicule for playing that role?

Not directly, we are lucky that people are now able to differentiate between acting and real-life scenario. However, I sometimes generate unnecessary attention whenever I appear in public places. In some instances, I get comments from people I meet either while shopping or in other public place. Some of these comments are encouraging while few are usually funny and complementing.

I remember an incident when some women came to meet us in a public place. They greeted virtually everyone, leaving me out. It was after hours that they confessed to me that they were initially sceptical and afraid to talk to me, but later they found out that I wasn’t what they thought I was and we socialized and they even gave me gifts.

My memorable moment is when fans strive to please me as a star that they support. It gives me a strong sense of belonging

You said Hassan Gigs gave you your breakthrough. Can you tell us who Hassan Gigs is to you?

Hassan Gigs is like a father to me, I respect him a lot because he has been playing a fatherly role in my life. Though I met him in the industry, he took me in as his daughter; he guides, protects and advises me on virtually everything.

I don’t think I have a way that I can properly say thank you to him, but he has played a vital role in shaping my career as an actress in Kannywood.

What is your memorable moment as an actress?

My memorable moment is when fans strive to please me as a star that they support. It gives me a strong sense of belonging. On many occasions, people usually pay for me whenever I go out shopping.

What profession would you have chosen if you’re not into acting?

I would have been a business woman. I love buying and selling goods so much and I still nurture the zeal to do business.

Are you in a relationship? Yes, I am.

So, who’s the guy?

Don’t worry, time will surely unveil the man in my life.

Are you working on other projects?

Yes, I have a series like ‘Madugu’ - a film series from Sultan film production. There is also ‘Kareema’, among others. My fans should get ready and prepared as I have good things in store for them.