She is one of the rising stars of Nollywood. Brilliant, beautiful, bold, and daring. Those words sum up the person of Adebukola Salawu, an actress, producer, scriptwriter, and entrepreneur. The Ibadan-based multi-talented star spoke with The Podium’ Media’s publisher, Ademola Akinbola, on a wide range of interesting issues. Read the excerpts:
Tell us about your birth and family background.
I was born over two decades ago to loving parents who though were not too wealthy, still gave me and my siblings the best of love and care. I was raised in Ibadan. Growing up was fun as I was raised by strict but loving parents. I thank God for the virtues that my parents instilled in me. Those are the virtues that are sustaining me today. I am talking of virtues of Godliness, hard work, honesty, integrity, and selflessness.
How did you become an actress? Who or what influenced you?
Acting is what I have always wanted and loved to do since I was young. I think acting is one of the traits I was born with as signs of a jovial and focused actress was noticed in me during my early childhood. I grew up watching the leading actors and actresses of that time on Television. I always looked forward to watching them and with time I started mimicking them. That was how my interest in acting began and developed. Consequently, I joined the industry in 2007 through Mr. Eleni in Ibadan. Because education is non-negotiable for all of us in my family, I left for school to study. I returned to the industry in 2014. I just have an undying passion for acting.
How has your acting experience been so far?
My acting experience has been awesome, and I thank God for His faithfulness. God has really been good to me; He has been the one guiding, inspiring, and motivating me. I also thank my senior colleagues and my contemporaries in the acting industry for their counsel and support. I am not there yet as I am still a work in progress. One thing I know is that I keep improving day by day with each performance. I am always willing to learn; I am a fast learner. I keep working on myself. So, my acting career has been on a steady rise. Some commend me for my speedy progress in the industry and call me a fast-rising actress. I thank my fans for their compliments, one thing I tell people is that if you are ready to learn and work on yourself, you will keep getting better daily.
What are the challenging moments you have faced in your acting career?
Hmmm… In the beginning, it was not easy my brother. I thank God that things are getting better. One thing I believe is that every challenge has a solution if you trust in the Lord. Initially, there were doubts over my ability; some critics said I will not last in the industry; some said I will need godfathers to succeed. At a point, even some colleagues in the industry were spreading wicked rumours about me. But I have remained focused, not allowing side talks to distract me. I am a determined person, so nobody can discourage me in what I have passion for and believe in. I believe in myself; I know what God has deposited in me. I am confident of my God-given talents and skills. So, I have been able to overcome all these challenges by the grace and help of God. Looking back, I can say so far, so good.
Would you say your beauty contributed to your success in the industry?
Smile … Maybe but one thing I know is that beauty without a brain is nothing. I thank God for my good looks. I also thank Him for the acting talents I have which I believe have taken me this far in my acting career. No producer will keep using you in his or her movie if you cannot deliver your lines perfectly or play your roles flawlessly, no matter how beautiful you are. So, yes being beautiful is a plus but it is not all that you need to succeed in the industry. Those who relied on their beauty alone have since dropped by the way.
Who are your role models in and outside the movie industry?
I have quite a lot of role models for various aspects of my life. My mother is my number one role model in my family. In the movie industry, my role models are Funke Akindele and Omotola Jolade-Ekehinde. I also have full respect for all other progressive performers in the industry.
Which is your most challenging movie and why?
My most challenging movie was the one I produced myself, titled SHAME. Naturally, being my debut outing as a producer, it was challenging as I had to put in all I had to ensure it came out well. I thank God everything went well.
What are the location experiences you would like to share with us?
Each location has its peculiar challenges and experiences. No human endeavour is perfect, hence there are natural and man-made challenges. Some of my location experiences include people not keeping to time, actors and actresses not working as a team, difficulty in getting some props, unstable power supply, etc.
Mention the movies you have acted in and the ones you have produced?
Wow! I have acted in several movies o, too numerous to mention. Let me mention few of them such as Okomilaye Okomilorun, Betrayal, Aare Agbaye, Eso, Ileri, etc. The ones I produced are Shame, Omofela, Imotayo, Oju Okun, Scar, Emotional Tears, and Soulmate (series).
What puts you off in the movie industry?
Kissing on set.
How can the industry be improved to compete favourably internationally?
All the actors in Nollywood must unite and work together towards achieving a common vision and objective. We should stop senseless and unhealthy rivalry. Competition is good because it will bring out the best in all of us, but it must have a limit. Also, standards must be maintained through training and reorientation of all practitioners. We cannot afford to allow mediocrity to prevail in the industry. New entrants should be encouraged and supported so that they can fulfill their potentials. To improve, the industry also needs an injection of funds. We need private and corporate sponsors. There are many talented people in the industry who need to be supported for them to fulfill their purpose.
Do you have any regret about being a movie star?
Not at all. Regret ke? I am enjoying every bit of my acting career. I am not where I want to be yet, but I am not where I used to be. I thank God for the progress I am making.
Apart from fame, what else have you gained from being a movie star?
A lot. Being a Movie star has opened doors of opportunities for me. I have enjoyed the patronage and support of people in my business by virtue of my acting career, Acting has also been paying my bills. I thank God.
What else do you do in addition to acting and producing?
I am a hairstylist. I make hair and I have a boutique I run.
How do you relax and unwind?
Sleeping and making my Tiktok videos
You are beautiful. How do you handle men’s advances?
It is normal for men to make passes at you. In fact, a lady should be worried if men do not disturb her (smile). I cope very well. When men pay me compliments, I thank them and move on. I try to be polite and courteous even when some of them become persistent and irritable. I was brought up to be respectful.
How can female movie stars have successful marriages given the spate of marital crises in the industry?
Well, there is no marriage that does not have its own problems, and this is not only in the movie industry. Marriages crash everywhere. The ones that fail in the movie industry become the talk of the town because the people involved are celebrities of some sort. Female movie stars can have successful marriages once they are ready to give their marriage full attention, like 95% attention. They need to put God at the centre of their marriages and must be ready to do all that is required to have a successful marriage.
Is it true that the use of juju is prevalent among actors and actresses?
I do not know anything about that.
What are your plans in the next five years?
Smile … So many things in my mind but I commit all unto God’s hand. He will direct my path and show me the way to go.
