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Tag: Ruth Kadiri

  • Ruth Kadiri is engaged

    Ruth Kadiri is engaged

    Actress, screenwriter and film producer, Ruth Kadiri, has begun her journey out of spinsterhood as she got engaged to her fiancée on Christmas day.

    The actress made the announcement on her Instagram, showing off her engagement ring.

    “Merry Christmas world,” she wrote.

    “@ 12:15am December 25, 2017, I said yes to the man who totally completes me. My daddyyyy, my friend, my brother, my pastor, my perv?????? my gossip partner. And my husband to be. God bless you and keep you safe for me.”

    Born in Benin City, Edo State, Ruth, a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Lagos ventured into Nollywood when she starred in the movie, ‘Boys Cot’.

    And as a screenwriter, she has written and co-written several movies which include, ‘Matters Arising’, ‘Heart of a Fighter’ and ‘Ladies Men’ among others. Her latest, ‘Memory Lane’ deals with issues of lies and deceit.

  • RUTH KADIRI REACHES OUT

    IN a bid to touch the lives of Nigerian children, Nollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri, has embarked on a life-transforming journey through her Foundation for kids, Ruth Kadiri Kids Foundation. The actress recently empowered 100 students of Ilasan Primary School, Jakande, Lekki, on choosing the right identity, and appreciating who they are.

    Speaking to selected primary school pupils, who were excited to be in the company of the actress, Ruth highlighted the forthcoming possibilities that they would encounter as they progress in their studies, which if not well taken care of, might endanger their original dreams.

    She also presented them with educational materials to help their studies.

    “When you get into secondary school, you are going to meet a lot of people that would make you feel like there is something wrong with you. However you are, you are okay, you are unique,” the actress advised the pupils, who listened with rapt attention,” the thespian said.

    Since founding her foundation, the actress has embarked on quite a number of projects that involves young people. This, she said, is fueled by the need to help them grow and become better persons.

    According to her, reaching out to these children is one of the things she lives for and finds so much joy in, and her only reward, is to see the children smile.

  • RUTH KADIRI COMPLETES THIRD MOVIE

    RUTH KADIRI COMPLETES THIRD MOVIE

    NOLLYWOOD actress and scriptwriter, Ruth Kadiri has just completed the production of her new movie.

    Titled Circle Of Trust, the movie was shot on location in Lagos, last month. It was directed by Ike Nnaebue, starring Ruth Kadiri, Yul Edochie, Esther Audu, Toosweet Annan, and Onyii Alex.

    The movie is a romantic drama about a group of friends who put their relationship to test, forgetting that love and trust work hand-in-hand.

    Circle Of Trust is the third work from Ruth Kadiri Films. The previous two are Matters Arising and Over The Edge.

  • Ruth Kadiri dazzles in new photo shoot

    Ruth Kadiri dazzles in new photo shoot

    RUTH Kadiri shared her recent photo shoot with her fans on her Instagram account. The actress, who has been busy shooting with top actors is seen a mini cream colour gown, accessorised with a black belt on the waist, in different poses.

    The recent picture came with a caption, which reads; “Women who divorce their husbands for petty reasons always end up regretting it. Choose your spouse wisely. And stay married.”

    Nigerian movie stars, in recent time, have utilised their social media accounts to engage with their numerous fans.

    Kadiri (AKA Puchu), a graduate of Business Administration and Mass Communication at the Yaba College of Technology and University of Lagos (UNILAG) respectively is a Nollywood actress and a scriptwriter.

    In 2013, Kadiri was endorsed and certified as a great actress by actress Uche Jombo because of her script-writing skills and acting prowess.

  • Growing up in Ajegunle helped me—NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS RUTH KADIRI

    Growing up in Ajegunle helped me—NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS RUTH KADIRI

    Brain and beauty best describe Ruth Kadiri. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the screen writer, actress and producer takes a look at year 2014, describing it as a “very wonderful one.” She also talks about her new projects, career and love life.

    helped me IT’S the end of the year. Can you tell us what 2014 has brought your way?                                                                     2014 has been a very wonderful year for me. I would say I’ve been blessed and I thank God for it. Most of the projects I penned for this year were actualised. That’s it.

    Can you tell us about one or two of those projects that were actualised?

    We started a clothing line called K and R. That’s my friend and I. We make customized urban clothes. We started off this year and so far it’s been good. I just finished my second movie project. The first was Matters Arising. And this other one is Somebody Lied.

    What would you say is your biggest asset as an actress?

    I would say it’s God first and may be my brain.

    Some people think you are a better writer than an actress. What is your take on this?

    I appreciate every talent that God has given me. Writing is different from acting. I don’t see myself trying to compare them in anyway. It’s my duty to do my job. It’s their duty to analyze it.

    Can you share with us your best director and another director you can’t wait to work with?

    I have been blessed to work with so many directors and I have personal relationships with some of them. Mentioning a name right now will put me in a very tight corner. I appreciate all of them for their strength.

    Can you share with us your best co-cast; both male and female?

    Majid Michel is a fantastic actor. That’s for Matters Arising. And we have somebody like Alex Ekubo, he portrayed the character wonderfully well. And then we have Eddie Watson from Ghana. He’s also good. On my project, I really don’t have much female cast. But there is a girl called Sharon Francis, she’s very good.

    What lessons have you learnt so far in the industry?

    I’ve learnt to be patient. I’ve learnt to understand that people’s destinies are different. And I’ve also leant to understand that not everybody will appreciate your style. Not everybody will understand where you’re coming from. All you need as a person is focus, because the easiest thing to do in this industry is to get distracted. The easiest thing to do in this industry is to follow the trend. But if you have a style and you are able to stick to it, as long as you know you are doing the right thing, you will get to where you want to go.

    In this industry, people get a lot of bashing from their fans. How do you handle that? Recall that recently, you released some photos which didn’t go well with some fans.

    I learnt from my seniors, if you want to go far and put yourself together, you have to be able to stay away from social media comments. I try not to read social media comments. Secondly, I wanted to do a photo shoot and I did that photo shoot. Like I said, if you have to listen to what people say, at the end of the day, you will just lose it.

    Have you ever got a social media criticism that made you cry?

    No. Not yet, but I pray it doesn’t get to that extent for me.

    Have you had to kiss an actor that has a bad breath?

    No, I hardly kiss in movies.

    But you have kissed, so tell us the actor that has given you the best kiss on set?

    Are you kidding me? I don’t know why people don’t understand that there is no personal attachment when it comes to kissing in a film.

    Why do female talents in Nollywood appear richer than their male counterparts?

    Hmmm, I don’t know. Do they? We women have a way of showing off things, things that naturally a guy will ignore and not count as something. They don’t even have time for social media.

    You recently flaunted a Range Rover car on social media, including your boyfriend. What is the real story?

    I didn’t flaunt any Range Rover on the internet. No, I did not. If you go on my Instagram page you will not find it. The pictures they found there I didn’t even know how. It was just a presumption from a blogger and apparently it turned out to be true that I got a Range. But I didn’t post a picture of my car. Again, the guy that was referred to isn’t my boyfriend.

    So who is he?

    He’s just my friend. Somebody I have known long ago.

    Are you in a relationship?

    So when is the bell going to toll for you?

    Hopefully we will get there.

    Do you feel successful?

    What’s your definition of success?

    Being successful is when you are comfortable with what you have and you are happy with it.

    Do you have a new project you might want to share with us?

    It’s still in the line of filmmaking. We are working on a project. It’s a movie called Over the Edge. And then I told you we just finished Somebody lied.

    Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

    I’m running a production company called Ruth Kadiri Productions and I’m hoping that in five years time it will be a household name. I’m hoping Ruth Kadiri will be a brand. I see myself as someone who inspires a lot of people. A lot of people look up to me and I hope that in the nearest future I don’t get to disappoint them.

    What is your 2014 Christmas wish?

    I hope to put smiles on the faces of kids because I love kids. Already, there is a project that will take place. It’s no longer an issue.

    Let me take you back a little bit to your first movie project, Matters Arising. What was the experience like?

    Matters Arising, was the first project and I would say it was my first successful project because there is no colleague of mine, even those I have not seen in the past three years that didn’t have some positive things to say about the movie. It was a wonderful experience filming it.

    Its election year; who are you supporting?

    I’m not going to say anything about politics.

    What is your take on the newly established Audio Visual Right Society (AVRS)?

    I’ve not heard about it but I think it’s good. Copyright in this country… I don’t know if it works. I copyrighted my title for a movie Dark Side sometime ago and the next month, I’m seeing a movie in the cinema with that title. I did complain, but since I didn’t have strength to fight it, I just changed my title. So I don’t know if copyright really works in this country.

    You adore Uche Jumbo a lot. How would you describe her?

    I think she’s the most hardworking person I know especially in this movie industry. And she’s the most sincere person. I’m somebody that doesn’t listen but she’s patient enough to…For a colleague who takes somebody else up and doesn’t give up on the person, that’s something I know I don’t have. So I appreciate her a lot.

    You say you don’t listen, how did it play out when you were growing up?

    I believe that every child who hopes to be independent should have a mind of his or her own. And I also know that in being independent not everybody would agree with you. If I don’t agree with you, you have to make me see reasons enough to listen, if not sorry. My dad is a complete gentleman he never raised his hand on me.

    How has your business administration skill helped with movie career?

    I’m a business woman. I’m now producing my own film. I run a clothing line called K & R. I think everything you learn as a person come together to make you who you actually become.

    Where you born with a silver spoon?

    No, did anybody say that.

    You were raised in Ajegunle. Tell us about that experience and the transformation from there to where you are now?

    As a child, I’ve always known what I wanted. In my bedroom then I had a write-up that when I become 18, I will rent my own house. My dad felt I should still be talking about my education at 18 instead of renting a house. But I insisted I want to be able to make my own money and rent my own house. He just laughed it off. So the desire to want to make my own money but in the right way, helped me.

    And then growing up as a child in Ajegunle; its either you get lost in it or it helps you find your way. Right now, there are certain mistakes that I can’t make. I see a lot of girls making certain mistakes. If I’d not been able to overcome them from childhood, I would not be able to do certain things anymore. And then, growing up in the slum helps you to find yourself. It’s either you are defined or you are not.

    You were once quoted to have said you fell in love at 18…

    I didn’t say that.

    So what happened at 18?

    Nothing happened. I had that interview but I didn’t say that.

    When was the first time you fell in love?

    Sincerely, it’s my present relationship.

    What is it about this one that is different?

    I think he’s very mature. And he respects me a lot in a certain kind of way that I appreciate. If you haven’t been on the other side you probably would not even know that you are not respected.

    Have you been abused in any way before?

    There are certain things that I cannot take in a relationship. I don’t know if it’s wrong or right. I cannot sit down and my partner makes or receives a call from an ex and he is laughing. I can’t take that. But at some point, probably someone has tried to convince you there is nothing wrong with it. And now you meet somebody else who thinks it’s wrong. Abuse or disrespect comes in various forms that a lot of us don’t even identify.

    I read somewhere that a female lecturer made passes at you?

    I was in school; at first she took a lot of interest in me. In fact the first day I went to write that exam she took an unusual interest in me. But I didn’t see anything wrong in it. Every day she would come and look for me in school.

    In fact, she knew the day I don’t come to school. She knew my scores. One day, I think I missed her text and I went to her office to see her. I was sitting across her like this and she just moved her leg and started to touch me inappropriately. I had to move away. I knew her daughter, so I went straight to make friends with her.

    You visited your alma mater recently. Any reason why?

    I grew up in Ajegunle but I went to a private school. There were times when it was very difficult for me to pay my fee. You will go to school the first three times after that you are sent out for your school fees and before you are able to get that school fees to pay, it’s like two weeks to exam. It was always crazy. And I watched a lot of my classmates drop out of school but my parents were adamant that I was going to finish from that school which I think also helped me.

    The standard of school you attend, the level of education you get actually does help. And I realise that there are people who want to go to school but they can’t afford it. So knowing that this is where I’m coming from, I wanted to do something for that school. I said okay who is the best person to give and it has to be my kind.

    What’s one perception that people have about you that’s not true?

    Some people think I’m proud. How can I be proud?

  • Ruth Kadiri wraps up Matters Arising

    Ruth Kadiri wraps up Matters Arising

    Nollywood actress and movie producer, Ruth Kadiri, has completed work on her new project titled Matters Arising.

    The movie, a romantic comedy, features Ghanaian actor Majid Michel.

    Shot on location in Enugu, Southeast of Nigeria, Matters Arising tells the story of a married thrift collector, who does not live up to his responsibilities. He is soon forced to face the consequence of his ways.

    According to Ruth, “The movie is just one of the things I have in store for my fans; they should expect a lot more from me. This movie is generally to make people laugh and at the same time teach them a thing or two about responsibility. Majid and the production crew really out-did themselves in this movie and I know that it will also make a difference in the quality of movies produced in the industry,”

    Ruth has starred in several movies like My Rich Boyfriend, Heart of a Fighter, Ladies Gang, Strange Acts, Breath of Love, Burning Tears and Sincerity, amongst others.

  • I can’t search for a husband—Nollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri

    I can’t search for a husband—Nollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri

    Nollywood actress cum scriptwriter, Ruth Kadiri believes that life is simple. For her, the attraction to the world of the arts began from her secondary school days. DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI engages the thespian on issues surrounding her personality and the inherent controversies.

    WHAT has been keeping you busy lately?

    I just finished a movie in Ghana titled Jack and Jill. It is a cinema movie.

    As an actress, what do you look out for when accepting movie roles?

    As an actress, the script is very important. Every script I get has to have depth. I should be able to understand where the writer is coming from. It must pass a message and should have a character for me to wear.

    Could it be that you are this choosy because you are also a writer?

    I think so. I say no to a lot of scripts not because I am better than them, but because as a writer, there are some things that I cannot just compromise.

    As a writer, how do you get your stories done in a way that it is accepted?

    Every writer wants a script that everyone can relate with. It is a gift. It is just like asking Tuface how he does his voice to be able to sing and make people accept his songs. He just sings and it comes out nice. I don’t know, I am not good at lying. It just comes natural.

    As a rising actress, what is it like working with A-list actors?

    It is not like there are special experiences working with a kind of people. I work with different people and it is always a different experience each time. At the end of the day, it is you. I don’t feel like I am working with anybody, from the A-list to the entire crew. I don’t have any kind of complex working with any kind of person.

    But to some people, it is an experience to be treasured for life…

    Someone like Uche Jombo is like my mother. There is a difference between working with someone that you love and respect and an actor that has probably been there before you. Working with her is something I always pray for. I love her person. If I want to talk about her, I can write five pages. But for someone I don’t know from Adam, who comes on set to work, I just do my thing. For me, it is not about who I am working with but my script. I have written more than 30 scripts.

    How have people accepted your scripts?

    You have to ask them to know. Better still, you could watch one of my movies, and tell me what you think.

    It is not easy doing two projects at once. How do you juggle school and acting?

    I am used to it now. When I started, it was difficult combing the two but now, it is already a part of me.

    What attracted you to acting?

    I have always loved acting and entertainment generally. It’s been something I have always wanted to do from Secondary School. I love the job. I have been here for a very long time and I have been able to learn and experience a lot of things. I can’t really say this was when I started because it’s been long. But I thank God for the experiences I have had as a girl. It’s in the industry that I also learnt how to write, so basically I am grateful.

    Like you stated, you have been here long enough but your name just started ringing bells; why now?

    I really can’t say. You know that when you plant a tree, it does not start as a tree. It is a gradual process and at the end, it becomes visible enough for people to see. I think it’s God and the things I have been doing. No matter what you do or have been doing, if you don’t have that extra touch, that thing that only God can add to make you who you are, you won’t get anywhere.

    You said you won’t be caught dead in some places, does that mean you don’t party or socialize?

    I don’t go to clubs. And when I attend events, I am always feeling lost. I go for an event and I am supposed to be on the red carpet, I will be looking for where it is. I am not an outgoing person. I know where my people dey go nah. Where do I have the time? I am a writer, I have to think. So most time I am in my house sleeping and eating.

    As a star, one would expect you to be seen mixing with your colleagues

    I am working on that. I won’t lie, I don’t go out. So far I try to use the few times we spend working together to maximize it. And it is when you try to be everywhere that you get into trouble. Sit in your house, what are you looking for friends for?

    But how do you get acquainted with your colleagues on set, when you don’t mix?

    I know a lot of people. I can’t stay at home and shoot now. You don’t need to have to spend your entire years with someone before you can be friends with them. So when you are working with somebody, it is either you connect or you don’t. The time I work with them is enough. When you go to the office and close, you go home. You don’t want to mingle with your colleagues to the extent that after the close of work, you follow them home. If you do that, then something is wrong with you. People don’t know when to draw the line. I have my private life at home and I have my work life. They are not the same. Who dey see me? You no go see me. The only time you see me is when we have to shoot.

    Does that mean you don’t have friends in the industry?

    I do. I have people I communicate with. That’s just me. That is the way we were brought up. You can’t tell my mom you want to go and visit a friend. Are you mad? The day my mom caught me at my friend’s house, she gave me the beating of my life. E be like say I thief. I think it helped me. You need serenity to be able to sit down and put pen and paper to work.

    Don’t people refer to you as been snobbish?

    You know some people really think I am. Even me sef, I don’t know if I am. But I am not. If you live with me, you will know that I am not. Who has time to be snobbish? I will just tell you abeg, my sister carry your wahala dey go. It is when you snub, that you think others are doing the same.

    Young actresses are said to be desperate. If given the right offer, would you act nude?

    Actresses have been acting nude since day one, which one is the young ones. Like how much? Where would you sell the movie? Nude like my pant and bra? First of all, let me correct one impression. Censors Board would not approve any movie with a nude girl. For any producer to afford to pay one actor millions, it means they are ready to promote good sales. It means that film has to go through the Censors Board. If not they will not be able to sell certain rights. So this question of acting nude, I don’t know how they answer it. I will act nude. Where you wan shoot am?

    What if it is just in pant and bra?

    I told you I have been in this industry for long. And I have done a lot of films. People have seen them, so they should be able to tell if I can do it. These are the things that you people use to implicate someone. Oh, she says she can act nude. It’s different strokes for different folks. There are things that I can do and some I can’t.

    Knowing you are so much taken by your work, how do you unwind?

    I fit dey my house and be jumping on my bed. What do you think actresses and actors are? My house no dey itch me o. I rent am make I stay there, abi no be so? There is church on Sunday, there are so many things to do. I just don’t have a social life. I don’t go out. And I am always getting tired of driving in Lagos traffic.

    Being busy, how do you intend to create time for the man coming into your life?

    God has created a man for every woman. I don’t have to go out and start looking for a man. Though some people believe you have to go out there to look for a man, but I just believe that in my routine, everything will fall into place. Me wear my shoe and go and look for a husband, where do you want to look for him? You want to stand at Marshal Kilo bus stop? It does not work like that. It will just happen. I don’t believe in certain things. Sometimes my friends will say mama, let’s go out, you need to mingle. As a child, everything I have, I got it in the house. Of course I network on the phone. But do I have to go to the club to get a husband? What kind of a husband will I get there?

    How do you handle the male fans?

    I really haven’t had any bad experience with any of them. I see acting as a banking job. You go to work, close and go home. I don’t see it as a different life. If I am walking, I don’t even know if people are looking at me. It is my friend that will say, mama see they are looking at you.

    But when you are in the public place, how do you relate?

    I just say hi. And those that want to take picture, I allow them.

    What’s your normal day routine like?

    I wake up in the morning, feed my dogs. I used to have four. I don’t sleep at night, I read all through the night until 5am. When I am not reading, I am browsing and not just anything. I recently read about heart attacks and I discovered that the way females have heart attack is different from males. The symptoms are different. I do my normal chores and before you know, the day is gone. Sometimes I don’t come out of my room for up to three days.

    As an African, what do your parents feel about your living alone?

    My dad is not in the country, but I live with my mom. It is just me and my sister and my mom.

    What was growing up like for you?

    I will say I am a loner. I know I have responsibilities to keep. The relationship between my sister and I is wonderful.

    Having a strict mother, how close are you to her?

    She is my best friend. When you don’t go out, you will understand what I mean. If I was outgoing, she wouldn’t have been. I tell her everything. She knows she has raised a good child so she don cool down. By 6pm, if I am not home, my phone would start ringing. She will want to know where I am and who I went to see, even at this age.

    What do you feel comfortable in?

    A jeans and a top, but when I have events to attend, I love gowns.

    Are you a designer-freak?

    I have a friend who is and she is really beginning to influence me. She comes over, collects money and gets me things. I used to have just one bag and I use it until it is spoilt, then I get another one.

    What can’t you do without?

    Wristwatches, I love male wristwatches.

    You seems like a tom boy

    Yes, I used to be. (Laughs)

    What hair style do you fancy?

    I used to like just a simple side part. But a friend told me blond looks good on me and my stylist said the same too. So presently, that is what I have been wearing. And I don’t do make-up as you can see.

    Does this have to do with your mom’s rules too?

    No. My mom is my pet. She is beautiful. That is who I am. I am a boy. It is when I am shooting, that I make up. I just use a small powder because I was coming for an interview. So that, you will not say this girl has spiritual problem.

    Would you describe yourself as homely?

    Yes I would, but I am a fire person. I am placed under a curse. I am Pisces and Aries. The Pisces side of me is the calm side and the Aries is the fire side of me. If you live with me, you will know you are living with a bomb that is about to explode. I am in between. I just feel your home should be fun enough for you to live in it.

    Can you cook?

    I can cook very well, including African dishes. Is it my mom that will cook for you? If she does, she will remind you that she has entered the kitchen and you want to come and eat. You will just prefer she doesn’t cook the food. (Laughs)

    Are you in a relationship and how do you create time?

    Yes I am in a relationship. And you have to create time for what you need.