Habiba Isa Ɗorayi, popularly known as Habiba Ɗorayi, is a talented rising young star in Kannywood. In this exclusive interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, the promising movie star disclosed a lot about her secret personal life and why film producers are racing to put her in their films.
Background
My name is Habiba Isa, but popularly known as Habiba Dorayi. I was born in Rano local government area of Kano state. After the passing away of my grandparents, we relocated to the city of Kano. I attended primary and secondary schools there. After that I could not proceed further.
What inspired you to join Kannywood?
Actually, I’ve loved acting for a long time, and I perceived it as a good career.
When did you finally get the zeal to join?
Actually, I had the passion for it since when I was a little child. As a kid, I used to stay and watch films in any house I was sent to and saw them watching films. After I grew up, I got more the passion for acting.
When did you then make your debut?
It wasn’t a long while. Only two years ago.
Could you tell us your debut film?
Honestly, I did not start with films in the industry. My earlier appearances were back-up dancing in some political song videos. It was just recently I started featuring in films.
How many political songs have you so far appeared in?
They are 13 or so.
What about your debut film?
I started appearing in a song video. It was a song for an association that helps and promotes women education in Katsina state. It was in that video I first saw my real self on a screen. After that, my first film was Haɗarin So.
How many films have you featured in so far?
They are not many, not more than seven. They include Haɗarin So and Haidar.
Were you been ill-treated before joining the industry?
No, honestly. What I only know is that it is your expertise and seriousness that are considered before featuring you in films. You know, it is not possible for you to get a role in a film if you don’t have the required skills, and you make lots of mistakes.
Could you enumerate some of your achievements so far?
We thank Allah. I can say that I have achieved a lot, because I get new acting works before completing another one. There was a time I attended a shooting work where I would act in only one scene. After I completed my role, a producer became impressed with my performance and offered me a chance to feature in his film. I acted in more than 30 scenes in the film. As you can see, this is an achievement. Besides that, many producers are inviting me to their films.
What are the challenges you have faced in the industry?
Honestly, I have not faced any challenge so far. I’m not praying to face any, even though I’m human, and one can’t live without facing any trial from God.
Who is your boss in Kannywood?
(Laughter); everyone is my boss as long as he will invite me and offer me a role to play in his film. It is a business thing; so he is my boss.
Who was the first producer to feature you in a film?
It was producer Abdulaziz Dan Small.
Which is your best film among all your films?
Honestly, I like all the films because I was offered good roles in all of them.
What was the most difficult film you acted in?
Haidar was the most difficult film for me. There was a scene I couldn’t act. I repeated it several times, but to no avail until the director shouted at me.
What is your goal in Kannywood?
My goal is to appear in many films and become more famous in this industry, even though you can’t just become that successful in a blink of an eye.
What about marriage?
I’ve never got married, but I will, by the grace of God.
When are you expecting to get married?
Once I achieve those goals of mine, I’ll get married. See, even if I do not achieve the goals, I’ll get married once I get somebody I love.
Do you have anybody in mind whom you are considering accepting his marriage proposal?
(Laughter); no, not yet.
If a suitor surfaces now, will you abandon your film career and marry him?
Yes, of course, but that is if I love him.
What is your message to your colleagues and fans?
I wish them the best. I also wish myself the best.
