Veteran filmmaker, Adebayo Salami has said that the question of age should not be a limitation to the kind of role an actor should play.
Oga Bello as he is fondly called disclosed this during an interview session with Rotimi Ige of the Nigeria Tribune over the weekend.
According to the veteran filmmaker, “as an actor, the question of age should not limit the kind of roles I should play. Acting is perpetually an imitation of life’s reality. For me, I don’t take roles anyhow. Even if you cast me for a role and I know I can’t fit in I will tell you no. I would rather advise.”
Speaking about his children, Oga Bello, the father of 18 children, said that he was not planning to be a polygamist, and this prompted his decision not to leave any property for them, and hence the reason he ensured all of them are educated.
“Let me just say, it’s God’s design. I never thought of letting any of my children take after me. The education you are talking about, I am very passionate about education. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the support from my parents because of their level but I had it in mind that all my children must be educated even if it’s attainment of at least to get the first degree. By the time I met myself as a polygamist, I had it in mind that I didn’t want to leave any properties for my children. I need just two houses; one in Lagos and one in my hometown. If you see any money in my account, share it. I’m passionate about education.”
Responding to the most painful aspect of his career, Adebayo Salami, who has spent over six decades in the movie industries said that, the death of his boss, legendary Ojo Olanrenwaju popularly known as Baba Mero, Who is the leader of the Young Concert Party, a theatre group, and his wife has been a major scar that he is still nursing until now.
“The death of my boss, Ojo Olanrewaju, the death of his wife, his wife died seven years after and she had a lot of problems with the family. When my Oga died he left a strong word for me saying you must continue this profession because I was present when he died. I didn’t feel too comfortable to go on with it because I didn’t think it would be my source of income. When I resigned from where I was working with Ahaji Femi Okunnu as his personal assistant. We left the federal ministry of works together, he said I should follow him to his chamber because he was a lawyer then. I named Femi after him. It was very difficult to start but there’s nothing I can do. When his wife died seven years after I felt I’m no more interested in this profession anymore. Late Dr. Ogunbode called me and said why don’t I want to do it. He said I have a future in the profession and that he will pray for me. He said as hard as my tests that I will be lifted. Which means success comes with so many obstacles.”
Oga Bello submitted that the industry is growing fast. “It depends on how you move with it. Culture is dynamic and you have to move with time. Putting Agbada to the office is old. We have more talents in terms of technical and crew. We have more actors that can interpret your roles properly. There have been a lot of positive changes, in terms of making money out of it.”
