Between my broken marriage and my acting career, by Saheed Balogun

On-screen character cum maker, Saheed Balogun is a well known face in Nollywood. In this meeting with Potpourri, the flexible performing artist who made it clear he would not discuss his private life assumed an adventure through his profession, his energy and did an uncover on the film business.

Saheed Balogun is a God-dreading individual with a humble starting and a graduate of facts from Kwara State Polytechnic. I experienced childhood in the North and that was rushed for me however I survived. My late father was a trooper and my mother, a dealer. I am over forty years old. I am a performing artist and a maker throughout recent decades. I have a tendency to help individuals recall their past, shape their present and see into their future through my works. Likewise, I am a common Yoruba man from Oyo State.

How could you have been able to you wander into acting?

Representing me is a characteristic ability in light of the fact that I got the blessing from my father who would make each one giggle at the military quarters including the "continually scowling and most dreaded" warriors. I have just marketed mine and I am so joyful I did. Once more, the craving and enthusiasm for acting was similar to a blazing blaze and I have tailed it to the last letter.

Which motion picture brought you into spotlight?

Each one of my motion pictures have brought me into spotlight and that is the reason I have numerous names. At once, it was Walata when I did Ologbo dudu by Kola Olotu, later Omo Alhaja, some individuals still call me Mallam due to my character in a cleanser years back. (Grins) I am diverse things to distinctive individuals.
What would you have wandered into in the event that you were not acting?

Actually, I would have been a known researcher. I like explores and that has reflected in a large portion of my motion pictures. I am the first on-screen character in Africa who has created a two-cast film and the first to do a film where each performer and performing artist wore Ankara in West Africa. I likewise did a motion picture where I was the main dark man. Furthermore the first to do a three-cast film. All these set up together is a consequence of thorough examination. My name will perpetually ring a ringer in Nollywood on the grounds that I have done what numerous performers won't go near doing. I will again rework history by May one year from now with an one cast film.

What are the difficulties of being a performing artist?

Perusing and translating scripts, satisfying your maker and chief, changing characters and not losing your fans base. Getting parts on occasion could be testing. Additionally, numerous Nigerians appear not able to separate between a character in a film and in genuine living. They appear to blend the two up and getting great pay is dependably an issue. The makers are not grinning and our pay as performers drops step by step.

Why are the makers not grinning?

Nigeria is near rebellion. Robbery has ruled the make-accept industry. I used N21 million on "You or I" and to profit means offering like 10,000 duplicates which was incomprehensible.

A sincere take a gander at the Yoruba part of Nollywood uncovers that numerous performers act, deliver and immediate their movies, what do you think is behind this?

It additionally happens in America where individuals, who can act, deliver and immediate motion pictures professionally go into it. For example, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly had one individual as the maker and chief, yet it turned out as a bomb. Anyway what we have in Nigeria is the conclusion of our destitution level. On-screen characters are attempting each conceivable intends to cut cost and amplify benefits. This frequently prompts a large portion of our movies needing centering.

I will utilize this medium to beg my kindred performers to place their calling and help this industry develop. Additionally, a few on-screen characters do this to meet due date. In a situation where the official maker needs the film prepared in three days and you can't get a decent chief inside the short recognize, the on-screen character will run the motion picture and assume the lead part himself in light of the fact that he would not have any desire to be operating at a profit book of the maker. Recollect that, he who pays the flute player, directs the tune.

What do you think is the way out of the chaos?

Robbery must be lessened to a zero level in Nigeria. Everyone in the diversion world must know where he or she has a place. Performing artists ought to decline to be instruments in the hands of lawmakers. As of late, Dr Joe Odumakin tended to the Golden Movie Ambassador and I knew we truly required change in numerous parts of the business and this must be attained when we are centered. There are some skilled performers who you will never find in unbaked or silly motion pictures .

Which on-screen character do you doff your cap for in Nollywood?

The main on-screen character I hold in high regard is god-like God. He is the best essayist, performing artist, chief and maker; nobody can beat his inventiveness in the universe.

You have not been doing much acting nowadays; would we be able to say your broken marriage is the reason?

My broken marriage has nothing to do with this, other than; I don't have to be in 50 films to stay significant in the business. I am occupied with my examination in order to turn out with a quality and unique masterpiece. When I get great scripts, I will be on set. What's more I am giving the approaching performers and on-screen characters space.

What was your stand amid the Association of Nigeria Theater Arts Practitioner ANTP emergency?

My stand was what God appointed. I am in the blink of an eye the director of Golden Movie Ambassador, an activity that was introduced early not long from now. In this affiliation, we put stock in re-marking and re-forming the film business. The emergency of ANTP has nothing to do with me. The administrators of ANTP remain our father and we will dependably regard them.

Wouldn't you say making an alternate affiliation is similar to stating ANTP is bad?

No. Our constitution provides for us the freedom to make or get to be parts of numerous affiliations. We have numerous affiliations and the vital thing is to fit in with any affiliation where your fantasies might be attained.

Is it true that you are a part of different affiliations?

So I need to birthing assistant the relationship to its more prominent tallness for the present.

How would you rate Nollywood among other film businesses?

Indeed Nollywood is not conceived yet. We need center, we utilize low standard gears. We rehash storylines. Nigeria has just created one future film not long from now where a nation like Republic of Benin has delivered more than twelve gimmick movies. Numerous things needs to be taken a shot at in Nollywood.

Your paramount day as a performing artist?

August 26th 2006 was the day I had a mischance on my route home from an area and I was at that point taken to the mortuary however my coach, God brought me once more to life.

Separated from your one cast film, another thing new about Saheed Balogun?

I am taking a shot at a motion picture where I will be commending our Dr. Joe Odumakin. On the off chance that the US government can remember her, I think it respects praise her here in my own specific way. I am doing an anecdote about Nigeria.