Zulaihatu Abdullahi Aliyu Bebeji, alias Attajira, has featured in many Kannywood films always playing the role of a mother. She tells IBRAHIM HAMISU in this brief chat that she has already spent over 20 years in the industry. She also reveals her background, as well as her life struggles.
Background
I am Zulaihatu Abdullahi Aliyu Bebeji; I’m nicknamed Hajiya Zulai Bebeji or Hajiya Zulai Bebeji Uwa tagari, but now I am popularly known as Attajira. I was born in Bebeji local government area of Kano state in 1975, but I was brought up in Birget, a residential area in Kano metropolis. I attended Islamiyya school, and thereafter I was enrolled into a conventional primary school. I attended Turaki Memorial College as well as Garba Babanladi Secondary School. At the end of my secondary education I got married. Presently, I am residing at Chiranchi, a residential area in Kumbotso local government area.
When did you join the Kannywood?
I made my debut in film in 2002; from there I stopped acting because I got married. Thereafter, in 2011, that is exactly 11 years ago, I returned to Kannywood.
What was your first film?
I started acting in a film entitled Kudura, which the late Tijjani Harris directed. Oh, Allah is great; it was really a memorable event which I would never forget. This is because the film director I met was at the location before me when it was suppose to be the other way round. However, immediately when I arrived I was assigned a role to play as the wife of a film actor, Sani Mai Iska. Initially, since I started featuring in the film I would most times appeared along with Ali Nuhu. More so, most of those I featured with in my first film have already passed away.
Did you choose to play the role of a mother in most of the films you featured in?
(Laughter). No, it is never my choice; roles are assigned to actors/actresses. May be the producers often achieved their desired goals whenever I acted as a mother, even though my role often changes. However, as a result of my motherly roles, some of the different roles I acted upon are usually not noticed. I am mostly featured as a mother (uwa). In fact, I am mostly featured as a mother to young men; and most times their fathers would have died or my children and I are in a wealthy family as well as poor ones. That role is usually assigned to me; I do not usually choose it.
How many films have you featured in so far?
To be candid, I lost count of them six years ago. However, they could be up to 350. Some of them are Kudura; Baasi; Kara’I; Ibro dan Zamani; Gidan biki; wani gari; tsuntuwa; Giwar karfe; Marainiya; Gidan Kitso; Maraici; Mahaifiyarmu, and Attajira.
Which among the films you have featured in is the most exciting to you?
As a matter of fact I made several appearances which gave me absolute satisfaction. However, when I returned to Kannywood in 2012, there was a film entitled Kara’i which was really full of unforgettable events because it depicted new styles.
What is your goal in Kannywood?
I want to have a very productive life, my Allah guide us do what he is instructed and abide by His deeds.
What specifically do you aspire to achieve in the entire film industry?
Allah knows my destiny.
