Popular comic actor aka Sanyeri was shot into stardom by his film, “Opa Kan,” and over the years, he has been a constant source of joy to his fans as he never fails to make them laugh with his jokes and anecdotes in movies. The actor declared his intention to get married in December, and in this interview with E24-7 MAGAZINE, BIODUN KUPOLUYI, he speaks on his wife who already has a child for him and how their journey of love began…
Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, but many believe that Sanyeri is already married with kids?
It is true that I have a wife and kids, but according to the religion of Islam, if you have not performed all the necessary rites, then a woman is not really your wife. When I met my wife then, I didn't have the financial muscle to have a proper wedding, but I thank God that I'm now capable to do the needful, and it's also a way of appreciating my wife for staying with me even when I had nothing.
Since when have you been together?
We met in 2004, but we began dating in 2007, and have been together since then.
Is she also a thespian?
No, she has never been involved in theatre or movie productions. She's a trader.
What was your bride's response when you informed her of your decision to marry her?
Ahh…she was very happy! You know, not a lot of women can take risks. Some women believe that when they want to get married, they should settle with someone who is already comfortable, but when my wife met me, even I myself didn't know where I was heading to in terms of my future. To feed myself alone was even difficult; talk more of an extra mouth. She just took that risk, and I thank God that it has ended well for her. Since it has turned out like this, I have to show her my appreciation, and also to let people know that I'm a good person.
What movie would you say marked a turning point in your career?
That would be my most popular film, “Opa Kan.” That was the movie in which I used the popular phrase 'Two malitna, one milk.' Even I didn't know that it would be my big break; I didn't have the money to shoot it as I wanted, but I gave it my all. I used my only personal car at the time for the shoot, and its windscreen was broken. I repaired the windscreen, but it was not properly done. Anytime I was driving in the rain, I was always drenched, so much that I always had to go about with a cloth to mop the water. It was really tough; I never knew that it was a form of investment. When the film was released, I was able to afford anything I wanted, and it also came with fame.
You once travelled to the United States, How were you received there?
As regards travels, I have gone on a lot of trips to different places, but when I went to America, it was my first time of travelling out of the country, and I was so excited about it. My fans were overjoyed to see me over there. They were like this fellow with tribal marks is here in America, and I also made them understand that I was there in a big way. We played with them and they honoured us, showering us with so much love.
Back in days, tribal marks were incised with money, but now nobody is interested in it, what do you have to say about that?
Well…back in the days, tribal marks used to be seen as the exclusive preserve of the wealthy, but now, it is usually regarded that it is the uncivilized that go with tribal marks. In Yoruba land, we believe that the beauty of the body is in these marks. I believe that whatever will be, will be. I even believe that if I didn't have these tribal marks, I may not have gotten to this stage where I am in life. If I didn't have these marks, I would have been struggling with Odunlade Adekonla, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola for fine boy roles, but because of my marks, I know my niche (laughs).
Will you allow tribal marks for your children?
No, that's because the world doesn't do that anymore. While growing up, when I found marks on my cheeks, I didn't have any choice. God just destined that the marks will be significant in my life. It is my identity! If anybody talks about Sanyeri, they will definitely talk about my marks too.
There is closeness between you and Kamilu Kompo, how did you meet?
I and Kamilu have moved beyond the level of friendship; we've become like children from the same mother. I met him since 1993, which is about 20 years ago, and for you to be friends with a person for that long, you must have known virtually everything about him. I introduced him to theatre productions; he came to me in Oyo back then that he wanted to start acting, and I took him to our boss, Prince Oluseyi Adeoye.
What are your hopes for your wedding and your promises to your wife?
I just pray to God to make it peaceful, and for everybody that will be attending, journey mercies as they travel for, and back from the ceremony. I also don't want fights or rancour of any kind. After the wedding, I've also promised my wife that we'll be having our honeymoon in Germany.
No comments:
Post a Comment