How I became an ‘accidental’ actress - Ummah Shehu
Ummah Shehu is an actress who became a force to reckon with in the Hausa movie industry, Kannywood, especially with her role as Zulee in the popular TV comedy series ‘Gidan Badamasi. In this interview, she talks about her journey and more. Excerpts:
Weekend Magazine: What drew you to Kannywood?
Ummah Shehu: I have always been passionate about watching movies and never thought I would become one at the time I did. I have friends in the industry and it was through one of them, Tijjani Asase, that I got in. As a family friend, he was very instrumental in making it possible for me to join Kannywood.
One day Tijjani Asase came to my house in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, and while we were talking, he told me to follow him to one location where they were shooting a new film. We went there and the actress to feature in that film, Fati Yola, was not available. Therefore, when the director of the film, Falalu Dorayi, insisted on recording that scene on the same day, I volunteered to do it and everyone there was astonished knowing fully that I wasn’t an actress.
However, the director obliged and I was given the script. Within a short period, I was done with it like a professional. Many thought I was an actress, while the actual truth was that I was just determined to give my best. That was how I got into the movie industry, and after that role I started getting calls from movie producers and directors. I never knew I would get this far in Kannywood because I had no plans of acting as a profession.
WM: What was your first time on set like?
Ummah: To be honest with you, I wasn’t anxious. I wasn’t an actress and never acted before but I believe the industry brought out the acting skills I never knew I had. This was proven in the subsequent roles I played in various films that have projected me into limelight. WM: How many movies have you featured in so far?
Ummah: The first was ‘Hawan Dare.’ I have acted in more than 50 films and still counting. Some of them are ‘Ciki da Raino,’ ‘Ruwan Dare,’ ‘Hawan Dare,’ ‘Sa in Sa,’ and ‘Burin so.’ Presently, I am working on a movie I produced. It will soon hit the screens as I have met all the necessary requirements.
WM: What award have you won so far?
Ummah: My first was Best New Actress in the Hausa film category at the City People Awards, which I won twice. I also got an award from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Arewa Film Award and several more within my four years in the film industry. Hopefully, more wards are going to come.
WM: You became famous within four years. What is your secret?
Ummah: Respect. I respect every practitioner and ensure that I give all my best in interpreting roles given to me. The Kannywood industry is indeed a very big entity and I give regard to everyone. Also, I avoid controversies within or outside the film industry. I protect my dignity as an actress and apologies when I make a mistake irrespective of who was hurt.
WM: Who would you say is your role model?
Ummah: I regard Kannywood as one big family and every practitioner as a role model. When I was new, they took me as one of them and supported me as a sister. We are all in the same business and we ought to give regard to each other. This is why I can’t single out one individual as my role model.
WM: What is your new role in ‘Gidan Badamasi’ TV comedy series?
Ummah: ‘Gidan Badamasi’ has indeed helped my carrier as an actress. My role as Zulee in the series was picked for me by the director because he believes I can deliver effectively. The producer and director of the TV series, Falalu Dorayi, has been encouraging and I respect him a lot. He is an individual who really wants the progress of Kannywood.
WM: Would you continue with acting after marriage?
Ummah: No, of course I won’t continue with acting as it is against my religion to continue while a married woman. I will only concentrate in taking care of my husband as any good wife would. The only thing I may consider doing is to be an investor in the film industry.
I was given the script. Within a short period, I was done with it like a professional. Many thought I was an actress, while the actual truth was that I was just determined to give my best.