Category: Entertainment

Bukky Awoyemi started her journey into the make believe world in the English movies, but later crossed over to Yoruba when she played the lead role in Tunde Kelani’s Arugba. The actress’ career can be described as soaring, what with her own movie at hand. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI, she talks about her challenges in producing her first job and achievement so far. Excerpts

TELL us about your new movie……………………………….. I thank God almighty for giving me the opportunity, because it has always been my dream to tell a story of my own right from school. Actually, this was not the first that I thought I would produce because I had one particular story that I wrote while I was still in school. But I wrote it for the stage while in my 300 level.

As I was writing it, I was seeing it on screen; I was not seeing it on stage. But since I was still a student I wrote it for the stage. So when I graduated I converted it from play to screen play. I won’t say I am a filmmaker like my boss Tunde Kelani, but I will just say I have a story to tell in my own little way. That is what I am doing presently.

Are you saying this new movie was written while in school?

No, this particular one I am working on currently was written after I graduated. But the one I wrote while in school was the one I thought I would produce first. But looking at the logistics I kept it aside. Probably, it will be the next.

This one you are working on, is it on a lower budget than the other one?

Well, I decided to do this first because I feel if I want to achieve the other one, a lot of things have to be put in place because it is traditional. I feel every story or movie has its own challenges, this just came by and I just started writing and decided to do it first.

What about your experience as a new producer?

It gave me a lot of experience, like being a producer and also acting at the same time. Being an actress and a producer are two different things. Producing and acting at the same time is the most challenging situation anybody in the industry could find him or herself. I tell you, you will have to concentrate on the success of the production because sometimes you might be waiting on an actor, or one is not even going to show up.

And probably you are shooting somewhere and you are being given problems, like you are not sure they are going to let out the place for you to shoot. And you have to pick up your script and act again. It is like swinging from one mood to another. Honestly speaking, if I would have my way, if I want to produce, I don’t think I would want to act.

Why didn’t you drop one for the other when you discovered the challenges?

It was my first time, because the story was written by me. I saw everything and the storyline was written around the things I could do, because the character in the movie sings, and I sing. I also did the songs and wrote it myself to the glory of God. So I felt I could do it; since it was written by me, it would be best delivered by me. But on getting to the set, I saw a different ball game on location.

Sometimes I would wake up at 5am and sleep at 5am. It is as good as not sleeping at all, and I have to be awake by 8am again and start shooting. I feel to really concentrate on production, just be a producer. But for people who have done it severally, it is just a piece of cake for them. But for me it was very challenging, because I wanted everything to be perfect.

Why the choice of Uche Nwaezeazu, GUS 6 winner, and ID Cabasa?

While I was writing I wanted a new face; I didn’t want a face that was already there. I wanted people to see it from another light and not just the normal Yoruba movie. Bringing in an Igbo guy was not intentional. I wanted a new face and thought of a Yoruba guy. But as God would have it, an Igbo guy came along. I was telling my friend Bola Lawal who helped in the screen play too that the kind of guy I wanted for this script is a tall, huge, dark-skinned guy.

And she said there is this guy that comes around to Surulere, we could just talk to him. And I asked what he looked like and then we went on the internet and checked him up. So I said he is tall and cute. We contacted him and he said he has never done a Yoruba movie before. I asked him if he could speak Yoruba and he said he could try. And he said this is just divine connection and he did it. I tell you Uche is a great actor. As we all know ID Cabasa is a producer and he produced all the three songs I did in the movie. We had already produced the songs before commencing the movie. So I felt since I would need a producer in the movie, why not use a real one? That was how he came in.

The actress, then producer and now a singer…

Everything is God’s talent, and you just have to use everything. You will just have this love to use everything that s embedded in you. While growing up I was in the children’s choir. But all along I didn’t know I had a voice.

It was when I got to secondary school that I said maybe I can sing. We had a school choir, and then I would mime Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean and all the other songs I loved easily. Then I discovered that I could write songs and compose poems.

What category would you place your songs?

I won’t call them traditional songs; I would need to give it a name. Because it sounds like R&B, but most lyrics are in Yoruba because it is featured in a Yoruba movie. By God’s grace I might end up releasing its audio or video later. It is like R&B, I am yet to place a name on it.

I grew up listening to the likes of Whitney Houston, but R Kelly is my best. And I love worship songs too. ID Cabasa really tried, he was God-sent; the way he mixed it, it will cut across deep traditional people and the present contemporary world. My dad and my grandma could hear the lyrics.

The period TK found you and now, what can you say about it?

I thank God because the road to the top is not all smooth. If I tell you all has been smooth, then I am not telling the truth. I read that if you are aiming for the top and everything is straight, then it is not leading anywhere. You need to go back. I won’t say everything has been straight. There are times that everything would be all nice and it would be like magic. I mean like from one movie location to the next; then get invite for award, travel abroad and I would be like life is sweet. And then, next, everything will be like “phew”.

I might just go broke, no awards, no travelling and face some challenges. All these things make me sit back and know that there is somebody called God. It is not that He can’t make everything straight for us, but because we are human beings, if He makes everything straight for us, we won’t remember Him and may feel it’s by our own strength that we are making it. Making this movie was very challenging for me; it’s been God, even meeting Tunde Kelani himself was the making of God. I am not a Lagos girl, but grew up in Ilorin all my life and here I am, starring in the best film-maker’s movie. Things that could have been a bit difficult have been easy for me.

Would you say you got the role of Arugba because of your innocent look?

It was just God o. Before I got that role, I was still an undergraduate, which was in 2003. And 2004 I came to Lagos for a proper visit to do my IT at MITV. That was the time I made up my mind that I would look for Mainframe Production outfit. I didn’t even know there was someone called TK. With their movie jacket I collected from Ilorin, I asked my uncle who I was staying with at Ojodu Berger where Oshodi was.

I took the jacket and went to a call centre to call their landline that same day I got to Lagos; somebody picked it and asked what I wanted. I replied that I wanted to speak to the MD, and the person asked what I wanted again and I asked if they had space for IT and the person replied no. I was sad, but if you have a dream you shouldn’t just sit down and expect magic to happen; you have to take some drastic steps. And you don’t have to do some dirty stuff to get there; don’t be desperate. I called again and I was able to convince the person to let me come over to their office. I went back to my uncle, who gave me money and direction; they didn’t want to discourage me.

I went back in 2006 and introduced myself and he said he didn’t know me. And he asked what I wanted and I said I wanted to act. Then they were working on Abeni, but he was through with casting and asked me to try other places, which I did. On December 19, 2007, my birthday, I prayed to God and said I wanted a birthday present. I didn’t know he was working on Arugba; he had auditioned a lot of people, in fact celebrities. I just went and said, sir do you remember me? And he said he had not seen me before (laughs).

I said I have been coming, and that I was done with school, youth service and all I wanted to do now was act. He asked if I could speak Yoruba, that I speak English too much. I said I can sir. So he gave me a script, called another lady who I was auditioned alongside. He asked me to come back and gave me the script again to read. I did and went back that I was through, he asked me to go back again, and I was like this one is strict o. After that he asked me what I was doing for Christmas and I said I was travelling, so he gave me the script to take with me. I didn’t know I had gotten it. That was it.

What about your move to the English sector?

I started with English movies. And my very first was in Ilorin. The producer was new too, and it was an English movie; but a Yoruba setting and I played the lead. The movie only made waves in Ilorin. I also did the sound track of the movie. That was the movie a Yoruba producer saw and called me to come to Lagos to act a Yoruba movie titled Mundia, I played sub-lead.

After I did that I was not getting any roles again because Yoruba movies do not do auditions. So 2007 I made up my mind to start going for auditions in English movies and I was getting roles. I got so many roles; in fact God didn’t start with me with waka pass. But I was at that moment not particular about any, I just wanted to act.

It went as far as getting to Abe Igi at the National Theatre, and the crowd you will see there, you will know it is only God that can pick you out. You too, you will pray for waka pass. My first English movie was Poisonous Affairs. I played sub-lead alongside Monalisa Chinda, Desmond Elliot and others. After that I got other sub-lead roles playing alongside A-list actors. So, the whole of 2007 I was doing English and then one Yoruba movie with Oga Bello, who God used for me too in my career.

At the end of 2007 I got Arugba and the whole of 2008, knowing how Tunde Kelani works; he is someone that he will not be satisfied until he releases the movie. I didn’t have the time to go back for auditions. That was what took me away from the English movies, and I pray I am still going to do English as time goes.

Were you intimidated working with the A-list actors?

I was not intimidated. I am a professional actress, a Theatre Arts graduate. If you only have the talents and are not a professional you can be intimidated acting alongside your senior colleagues for the first time. When I was jittery was when I got Arugba, where the likes of Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, Dele Odule were mentioned and I was playing the lead.

So I was like how can this small me be playing lead, while they were playing sub? What would I do now? I was scared. These were people that I have been watching before I became an actress. But Tunde Kelani and God made it simple for me. He said you will do your own and they will do their own.

What was your parent’s reaction when you told them you were moving out?

I came for my youth service, I stayed with my uncle but then he moved to his own home in Mowe. Which was far for me, and then I was going for auditions and then we were having problems. I would be out late and they won’t sleep and be worried to know if I was fine. So I moved to stay with a sister who is in the industry.

I wanted to get a house when I was still serving, but my dad said never, you will not stay alone. So I went to stay with my cousin, who is married now. But you know staying with people, you know how it is. So when my dad saw how it went, he didn’t have a choice. It was few months I finished my youth service that I got Arugba. I was just moving from one place to another and surviving in Lagos is not easy. And acting roles were coming, they could not ask me to come back to Ilorin. And during my youth service I had done like three movies which I took home for them to see.

So, they were like, okay, this is success, they can’t stop me. And since they don’t live in Lagos, so where will I stay? I stay alone with God and His angels.

With your beauty, why are you still single?

It’s a very funny question when people ask, why are you still single? Everybody wants to get married though some don’t believe in marriage. But for me I believe in marriage, I grew up in a Christian home; a happy home. So I want a happy home for myself too. I pray very soon God will do it. I will have my own husband and kids.

You are yet to take up challenging roles. Why?

As an actress I can play any role. But I don’t believe in you exposing part of your body, I don’t see it as fashion. If I am playing a prostitute, I will have to wear some dresses that will tell who I am. So is playing a banker or lawyer without you hearing my lines.

If I am playing the role of prostitute, I will have to wear my short dress, but you don’t have to see my boobs. I don’t like exposing my boobs. If it happens you see it, it is by accident. Not that it is intentional.

Are you saying on a normal day, you can’t be caught wearing short wears?

Nah nah, on a normal day, you won’t see me like I am dressed going out; I’m not on set and you see my boobs out.

2011 was your year of awards. What happened in 2012?

It was my year of nominations, but I didn’t get any awards and it was my year of movies too. I mean I was just doing movies. But 2011 I was just getting nominated and getting awards, I got like six.

And 2013 you should expect a lot because you will be seeing me in another light. You will soon start seeing me in movies that are challenging this year. You will see me in movies where I am very angry, crazy, mad, playing prostitute. That is what makes an actress. Me too, I don’t want to be seen playing innocent roles only.

Bruno Oaikhinan was the Head, Internal Communication, Skye Bank. After 14 years in the industry, he decided to follow his passion, hair styling, and partnered with renowned hair stylist, Bobby Eke of Bobby’s Signature. Bruno speaks with ADETUTU AUDU and DANIEL POPOOLA on how he made success of his new calling, his days at the bank and why he promised his wife not to do home service. 

YOU were the Head of Internal Communication, Skye bank. Suddenly, you quit and moved to hair styling. What informed that decision?

This happened about five years ago. Then, I was working at the then Prudent Bank. There was turbulence in the industry and I was affected. I told myself that I needed a plan B. So in the process, I was looking for something I can be doing with my hand that will fetch me money. I remembered that when I was courting my wife, I used to take her to salon and I noticed that there were some things that they are not doing right. This was coupled with the fact that while I was growing-up, I used to make use blade with comb on my hair.

I said to myself that somebody can actually go into that and will generate money. Later, I got a teacher from Elegant Twins who used to come to my house to teach me. After the lady had taught me for a year, I perfected it. Shortly after, I was called back into the banking industry and this time around it was Skye Bank. I just decided I needed somebody who had gone far in this business that would be able to run with my own vision. And that was the reason I met Bobby of Bobby’s Signature.

The first time I went to his office and told him I wanted to learn, he almost fell from his chair, because that day I was wearing my suit. Immediately he said, you a banker, and burst into laughter. So, he decided to teach me free of charge. That was how I started.

Last year June, I went into partnership agreement with Bobby’s. We opened a branch in Magodo, which is doing very well, and another one in Omole. Here in Opebi, I decided to use another name so that it will not be Bobby’s. I just decided to give it another name so that I will not put all my eggs in one basket. With the knowledge I have acquired in the banking industry, I want to grow Nigerian economy. We need to invest in the small scale industry. It is because this place is small, that is the reason we have four stylists. When you get to our Magodo office, we have about ten stylists.

But it was alleged that your wife was the brain behind this, but later on, she lost interest, and you quickly took that advantage, because you didn’t want the money to go to waste. How true is this?

Let me tell you, at the initial stage, I wanted to do the business that my wife will administrate, and I later noticed that my wife was a career person and I had invested some money into the business. But later on I noticed that the passion was also in me. So I just converted it and started learning it myself. I remember those days that I would have to wake-up in the mid-night, and I had this baby-toy that I used to learn with. You can imagine that I would go to work early and I come back late in the night. I would then put on my generator and used it to learn how to make hair, and by the time I would be through with the practice, I would wake-up the next day and go to work (in the bank). That alone shows the interest I have for the business. I did all that and nobody knew.

What has been your wife’s reaction?

She is happy of course. But at the initial stage, you know how it is, the complaint was that, ‘you are going to be massaging women hair; you are going to be touching women hair.’ At the initial stage, it was tough for me but as a woman, she can understand. She has seen what I have done with Bobby’s, I think she is even encouraging me to do more.

Did she want to partner with you?

She is working, she is a career person, and she has her Masters.

What about your kids, how do they react to your kind of business?

I barb my hair; I even barb my kids’ hair when I am less busy.

How was the transition from the banking world to the beauty world for you?

I am fulfilled in it; because it is something I enjoy doing. I find so much joy when I hold woman’s hair. I came into the banking world just because I wanted to make money, I knew from day one that I could not last as a banker because I have passion for fashion. I knew there is something inside of me, I am a creative person, and banking was just like a platform for me to make money. I can’t say I am making as much money that I made in the banking industry but I have so much time, and if you convert that time into money, I can tell you that I feel fulfilled in life than when I was in the banking industry.

What are you actually missing outside the banking industry?

I’m not missing anything, I only miss my friends. Let me tell you this, I am a brand person. I actually went to the best and the first branding school in Africa, Orange Academy. I had worked in an advertising agency before, and a marketing company. I am a sales person, but along the line, I was looking for something that I could be doing with my hand, something I can run with, something ordinary that I can make extraordinary.

Was banking imposed on you?

You know how it is now; parents will want you to do a profession that people will be able to reckon with so that they will be able to say my son is doing this and that profession. Hair styling is a profession that people have really looked down on. If you engage yourself in this kind of profession, you are seen as someone who is not serious at all.

You are in a business where the ladies rule, how do you cope?

This is even small. When you come to the banking industry, you will come across a lot of ladies. So, having worked with them, I have no problem with that. If you actually want to go into this kind of business, you have to be disciplined and professional. And you have to be cautious, authentic and passionate about the business.

Do you do home service?

We don’t do home services. We are even too busy for that, and that is one promise I made to my wife, that I will never go for home service. That is one of the covenants we had together. In this kind of business, you have to avoid temptation. At least, nobody will rape me or will say that I raped him. But sincerely, since I have been doing this business, I have never come across anything of such. I think if there is anything of such, I will

Versatile songstress, Chineye Aharanwa aka Kryztal seems to be cock sure about her chances on the music scene judging from her resoluteness. Her participation in the 2011 Star-Quest music contest has already set her on a high as she hopes to consolidate in her bid to carve a desired niche for her burgeoning career. The beautifully endowed singer opens up on her career and how she handles advances from male fans in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

WHAT actually influences your kind of music?

Basically, my environment plays a major role in my music, God also inspires me and the love for music also influences my kind of music.

What stands you out in the midst of your female contemporaries?

I’m not comparing myself with people but sometimes as a human being, it is good to have people you look at and say, I’m going to challenge this person. But I believe in myself because apart from singing, I have a unique voice and I write meaningful music. So, I’m not comparing myself with Tiwa Savage, Niyola or any other artiste but I believe in myself.

When did you discover you have a unique voice?

Just like the normal old story, I discovered myself when I was very young. I actually grew up in the church choir. From being a member, I was made the choir director.

Tell us more about yourself

My name is Chineye Aharanwa and my stage name is Kryztal. I’m a singer, song writer and I do all genres of music. I was a member of the band that emerged first runner-up at the Star-quest 2011 music contest. I’m a graduate of Pure and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Aside singing, I’m also a voice-over artiste and I am also into music consultancy.

Tell us about your family background

I’m from a family of five. I’m the second. My dad is from Owerri in Imo State while my mum is from Akwa Ibom State.

When did you start music professionally?

I went for Star-Quest in 2011 music contest, after the competition, I decided to take it up since it is what I enjoy doing. Before then, I had always been doing it as a hobby but the Star-Quest competition made it official.

Tell us more about your first album which is still in the works?

I’m not done with the album yet but I’m working on nothing less than 12-tracks for the album. For now, I have one “Cindarella” on air, I have ‘Waka Waka which is a reggae song; then I have ‘As E Dey Hot’ which is pop, and the “Azonto Dance”. I have many songs that are of different genres.

How prepared are you for the challenges ahead of you on the music scene?

I’m fully ready; I’ve never been this sure.

How do you cope with male fans who want more than your music?

It is not something I cannot handle. There are some male fans that actually want you not because you’re singing. Though, some really appreciate you because you’re a singer, so you just have to know when to draw a line.

What is the nastiest thing a male fan has said to you?

A guy once told me he liked my boobs. It is not too nasty but some people just say crazy things to you when you’re trying to make them feel your music.

Do you have a man in your life?

(Laughing) I have Jesus in my life.

Have you encountered any major challenges thus far in your young career?

Every artiste faced different challenges especially when you’re not there yet. Number one, no one wants to associate with you until you’re already known. Some people look down on you because they feel that, anybody can wake up tomorrow and call himself a musician. Also, trying to break into the limelight is more challenging because we have many already established artistes.

Who are the people you look up to in the industry?

2face is a common person, so I try to avoid him but sincerely, 2face is a rare gem. I like 2face and Dare Art Alade because of their unique voices and they don’t just do anything like the other artistes. For female, I like Omawumi because she has a crazy part aside her scintillating voice.

What type of image do you intend to portray as a female act?

I just want to surprise people at every point in time. For instance, I’m coming out with a video “Waka Waka” which is quite different from the video I just did “As it Dey Hot”. The first video portrays a crazy image but the “Waka Waka” video portrays my and gentle and soft persona. So, at every point in time, I just need to keep surprising my fans. I want to be unpredictable with the kind of image I portray.

Have you performed with any established artiste?

You know I started with a band; I’ve not really performed with some of them. I was formerly in Gloria Ibru’s band; I was the only female in her band. So, I’ve worked and performed on stage with great musicians like Raskimono, Shina Peters, 2face Idibia Alex O, Mike Okri, Oritz Wiliki, Gloria Ibru, Kween and several others.

Has the Star-Quest music contest impacted in your music?

It has contributed a lot, it was fun all through, we went there individually but they later put us in a band. It is always two vocalists and instrumentalist. It was fun because we were singing live, showcasing our unique talents. They want to see how well you can work as a team, and how well you can entertain people. So, it was fun, I learnt a lot. Though, it was hectic, it also helped me discover myself.

When did you have your first kiss?

Do you know that I kissed Jesus this morning before stepping out? I’ve been kissing Jesus from my mother’s womb.

How has your beauty affected your love life?

There is nothing negative about being beautiful, but the only disadvantage is that, people keep coming; you can’t say this person is coming because he truly loves you or because you’re beautiful, I won’t say it has affected my love life positively or negatively. Like I told you, I’m in love with Jesus.

Have you been heartbroken?

No, I’ve not been heart-broken by any man.

How many hearts have you broken?

Nigerian men can’t be heartbroken these days. Their hearts are as strong as iron. For real, I don’t think, I’ve broken anyone’s hart before.

Are you working with other artistes on your debut album?

For now, I don’t really want to bother myself on who to feature, my utmost concern now is coming out strong, carving a niche for myself in the industry. The track on the album is not complete yet. If I have to feature any artiste, I will definitely do it.

Can you kiss a male fan on stage?

The truth is that, as an entertainer, you can’t say you can’t do it because when I used to sing with a live band, there were some things that I found myself doing. If I’m doing a love song and situation warrants that; I will do it but that doesn’t mean it will go beyond that stage. For instance, you see D’Banj removing his shirt on stage just to make the audience feel his message. So, as an entertainer, anything can happen.

What are your hobbies?

Obviously, my hobbies are singing and reading.

Bollywood star actor and producer Akshay Kumar rose from a humble beginning on the streets of Chandni Chowk, to being admired by many fans worldwide.
In this interview with Online Editor, LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN and MERCY MICHAEL, the actor opened up on Bollywood @100 and the future of Indian films. He also talked about relationship with his female fans among other things:

YOU have been variously described as the undisputed king of Indian cinema, one of the world’s most famous Indian film stars and the global ambassador for Indian cinema, how would you describe yourself?

I have been so lucky for my career to have been so successful and I am very thankful and grateful to all my loyal fans and the great directors, producers, film crews and actors who have helped me give my best performances. Although I may not have come from a ‘traditional’ background in regards to what makes a successful Bollywood star I believe the support around me and the love of my family (whether or not they have been in the industry) has really been at the roots of my success. Every movie has been momentous and life changing for me because I have learnt, whether to play a different type of role or from the character I’m playing.

As someone who stumbled into acting, what has been your general experience as a film actor and producer?

My journey has been incredible – a guy from the streets of Chandni Chowk, to being admired by my adoring fans the world over, and making my mother, father, wife and children proud of what I have achieved (and yet to) I am truly blessed. I think the key to success for any actor is determination and ambition. Being a producer is a tough job but an extremely satisfying one. As an actor you only have to focus on your character and playing it convincingly. You do what your director wants you to do to the best of your ability, but as a producer it’s the whole film that you have to look after and it’s a big responsibility. As with any industry there will be a number of ups and downs to overcome, therefore it is so important to stay positive at all times. There were times when things were bad, even ugly, but I loved what I did too much to bow down to the pressure.

What are the gains and pains of being a superstar?

I love my profession and working in this industry. I owe my life to it on so many levels. As far as the competition goes, rather than cut throat, I see it as healthy competition which keeps you on your toes – it keeps things fresh and ever evolving. One cannot afford to become complacent in this, or indeed in any other industry. As long as my fans will have me, I am happily here to stay

In 2008 you were named the Sexiest Man alive by People Magazine. How were you able to cope with your numerous female fans then and now?

Numerous female fans? Lol. If a person lets such an honour go to his head, then he will become arrogant. I am so flattered and humbled to have received this notable honour, but I also try and stay grounded and not let it affect me. My main purpose is to make good movies that I’m proud of and happy with at the end of the day, and most importantly, that my fans will like my work.

Compared with other films, what would you say is unique about Indian films?

The Indian Film Industry started out in 1916 and has grown into a multimillion dollar industry. We are a very cultured country so obviously we portray a lot of dance from many cities as well as the multiple cultures and religions we have. We are very full on. Any excuse for a song and a dance number. As the years go by we are making many urban modern day movies but they will always have a touch of Masala. Indian films will always be Indian. It is a genre within itself albeit adaptable to new audiences and wider changes in the world of cinema, but without losing its core essence. The Indian film industry is booming. It has enjoyed a lot of success over the past 100 years as it celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2013. Indian films have a mass, global appeal as they feature drama, comedy, music, dance and romance all in one! Indian films entertain, inspire and engage the audiences across the world.

What do you think is the future of Indian films?

We have an amazing new generation emerging in the industry, be it filmmakers, artists, scriptwriters, etc. They bring such a fresh and innovative perspective to the industry. I wouldn’t want to single out any particular individuals as there are many, hugely valued new members of our fraternity. It’s incredibly refreshing to work with such enthusiastic newcomers who just wanna change the way of everything positively

You have been involved with helping to bridge the gap between Indian cinema and Hollywood. How successful have you been in this attempt?

I think that as the world becomes increasingly connected, it is inevitable that the respective industries will continue to converge and collaborate. Slumdog Millionaire was a good example of that integration and highlighted the need and benefits for the two to merge. Hollywood and Bollywood differ hugely in terms of production, content and aesthetics but it is an exciting prospect to think of the potential that we can forge together, moving forward to create an entirely new genre of ‘world’ cinema. Through my own film projects, I was lucky enough to work with international stars such as Kylie, Snoop Dogg and Sylvester Stallone. Each was a wonderful experience in its own right, and so much that we shared and learned from each other in terms of our respective experiences in the entertainment industry.

What film are you working on now?

I have Boss this year which is directed by Tony D’Souza and also the sequel of Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. I am also filming for some very exciting new projects. I also have some very interesting regional projects through my company Grazing Goat Pictures such as the Punjabi film Ba Ji in Problem and the Marathi film 72 Miles. We also just announced another Marathi film Adhantari which will be shot extensively in London and stars Tanisha Mukherjee.

Do you still have any dream role or stunts you would want to play in films?

Now that’s a tough one for sure, let’s just say that there are many and more to come.

NEWLYWEDS, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face and his wife, Annie Macauley-Idibia are currently basking in delight as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Goodswill Akpabio, made good his promise of a brand new Toyota Prado jeep and a cheque of 3million naira

Delivered by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Aniekan Umanah of Akwa Ibom State, at Victoria Island, Lagos State, the couple arrived the Liaison office of the State Government at Victoria Island in the company of their friends and family.

Presenting the gifts, Umanah said the Governor’s decision to donate wedding gifts to the new couple was to show them love and support as they begin their new marital journey.

The couple expressed their appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government. “We are happy that the governor has made good his promises. We know this is a sign of good things to happen to our family as we begin the journey. Words cannot really explain how we feel right now for the love and support we have received so far since the pronouncement of the wedding,” 2face said.