Most people think I’m gay -Antar Laniyan
Friday, 10 August 2012
Antar Laniyan is a household name in Nollywood, having graced numerous movies. In this chat with Doyin Adeoye, his speaks about his sojourn in the movie industry and he passion for acting.
Background?
Antar Tunde Laniyan is a native of Osogbo in Osun State. I’m a 6 footer and I’m above 40. I’m married and I have two boys. I’m an actor as well as a director and I write songs and sing as well, though so many people do not know, because I have not exhibited that.
I grew up at the Army Barracks, Ilaro, because my mum was selling things at the Mammy Market within the barracks. I grew up among soldiers, so initially I wanted to be a soldier, until during my years in secondary school when my principal told me that he thought I’d do better as a theatre artiste, because as of then, I went for theatre competitions and would come back with laurels. Unfortunately, he is not alive today to witness what Antar Laniyan has become.
At what point exactly did you discover your talent?
I was 13 when I started following a theatre troupe at Ojora, so it was then that I developed the interest. Then, I was also being trained as a boxer, until I met Ben Thomas Loju, who was my teacher then. I won the best actor’s award in school then, and he called me and told me that he wanted me to join the Kakaki Art Squad after my school certificate exams.
Starting at such age, what were your parents’ reactions?
I really didn’t take their feelings into consideration. I remember a day when we performed the Sango play, which of course gave me the best actor award and a black and white
Category: Entertainment
