Haruna Talle Maifata is a popular Kannywood actor, who mostly plays the role of a thug or villain. In this interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Jos, he speaks on his roles and achievements in the industry among others.
What is your background and how did you join Kannywood?
Well, I was born in Jos, Plateau state. I had both my primary and secondary education in Jos, then I proceeded for a Diploma in Mass Communication, where I graduated in 2010 but I still have the desire to further my education.
I developed interest in acting whenever I used to see my elder brother, Baban Umma Talle Maifata, acting.
On several occasions, he promised to bring me into the industry but God was so kind he was not the one that introduced me to acting.
When I started earning a little money, I spoke to Bello Muhammad Bello, who is also a movie director, about my aspirations and he guided me to make my own film. That’s how film making became my profession. I joined the industry in 2003.
Can you remember your first movie?
My first film was Zuciyata.
Can you recall how many movies you have made?
I have lost count of them because there are so many.
What about the ones you produced?
The ones I produced will be approximately 53 Movies.
Can you list the names of some of them?
They include: Zuciyata, Hafsa ko Safiya, Farmaki, Giwar karfe, Dan talaka, Gidan Maza, Gidan Alkali, and Farida Nabil.
Why do you often play role of a villain or thug?
It depends on the nature of the story. I make myself look like a villain or thug so that the story will please the viewers.
Which movie gave you a tough time?
The movie Farida Nabil gave me a tough time. But thank God I jumped the hurdles and it was a success. Indeed, I will never forget it.
Which is your favourite movie among all your movies?
I like the movie Tawalkaltu.
What are your achievements in the Kannywood industry?
I have achieved a lot because I got married, secured houses and cars. I have four children and I took my mother to Macca (Holy Land) for pilgrimage making it her second pilgrimage after the one that my father took her and several other achievements.
Are there challenges in the industry?
Every success is accompanied by challenges, so the successes I have achieved in the film industry have wiped out the failures I have had.
Honestly speaking, I have nothing to say but Alhamdulillah (Thank God).
Who do you look up to in the Kannywood industry?
I didn’t learn from anyone, because I haven’t seen my type yet in the industry. My reason is that there is no role which I cannot fit into, be it love, comedy, thug, religious scholar among others.
Speaking of marriage, how many wives do you have?
(Laughs) I have just one wife and four children.
What do you hate in your life?
What I hate the most are lies and betrayal.
What makes you happy?
To God, I feel happy whenever am giving alms to the needy and the less privileged
What is your dream in Kannywood?
My wish is to see us making quality movies that teach widely on my religion, which is Islam.