Having a famous sister helped me in Kannywood –Maryam Isa

Weekend Magazine: Famous actress Mansura Isa is your sister. Did she inspire you to become an actress, too? Maryam Isa: Since when I was a teenager, I have had a passion for acting. What attracted me was the fact that I saw Kannywood as an avenue where I could contribute my quota towards educating, enlightening and […]

Weekend Magazine: Famous actress Mansura Isa is your sister. Did she inspire you to become an actress, too?
Maryam Isa: Since when I was a teenager, I have had a passion for acting. What attracted me was the fact that I saw Kannywood as an avenue where I could contribute my quota towards educating, enlightening and entertaining people. My sister Mansura played a vital and crucial role in uplifting Kannywood to a greater level and what she did also helped as a booster for me to continue from where she left off after her marriage to Kannywood star Sani Danja.

WM: Most people approach Kannywood with a special goal they aim to achieve. Do you have a set target in the industry?
Isa: My reason for joining Kannywood is to contribute my quota in educating and entertaining people, which is same as my target. I would be fulfilled if the audience – most especially women – see me as their role model and look at me as someone they can look up to. 

WM: How long have you been acting, professionally?
Isa: It’s been a year, so far. But I am happy with what I have achieved. I am where I am today because of the guidance and counseling I am getting from my sister, Mansura and her husband, Sani Danja. They have both helped me a lot and taught me skills and techniques on how to best compose myself when acting and how I should conduct myself while on set.

WM: You are a fan-favourite actress, and have so far starred in many movies. What’s the secret?
Isa: It is what I said earlier. My sister and her husband guided and counseled me. They told me the secrets of the industry, the dos and don’ts.  I followed their advice and here we are today. I’m grateful to my sister and her husband for what they have helped me achieve.

WM: How many films have you starred in so far?
Isa: I have starred in many, including ‘Rai Da Rayuwa,’ ‘Turai,’ ‘Aurena Rayuwata,’ and ‘Rumaisa’ among others.

WM: What challenges do you face, especially while on set?
Isa: Acting is something that I have had a passion for since I was young. And I had prepared my mind before venturing into it. So I can’t say that I really face any challenges while on set. I do what the directors ask me to do, perfectly. I report to the location on time. I always read my script before acting. I do a lot of rehearsals. I do a lot of research on the Internet on how I can develop myself to be a world-class actress. 
Then I just want to urge fans to show more understanding. They shouldn’t take an actor’s roles as his real character. It is just make-believe. I once portrayed a villainous character in a film, after which I met a fan who was upset at me because of the character. She also asked me not to accept such a role again, as it made her have the impression that I played my real-life character. But I explained everything to her.

WM: Your sister Mansura won many awards before she married Sani Danja and quit acting. Do you have any intention to supersede what she did while she was active?
Isa: My intention is to be a world-class actress, and if what it takes to do that requires superseding what she did while acting, I am ready to do that. There is no upcoming actress in Kannywood that doesn’t wish to be like Mansura, because she pushed the envelope and took Kannywood to greater heights. I definitely want to reach where she has reached.

WM: How would you describe your relationship with your colleagues, especially female ones?
Isa: I have a good, sound relationship with them. They are fully aware that I am not in charge of casting. The people who cast me, are the same people who cast them and they believe if the role fits them they will be cast. It’s the same for me. Another thing that has smoothened my relationship with them is that I am an easy-going person, I respect my seniors and I don’t look down on my juniors. I treat everybody with respect.
Also, my best friend in Kannywood and beyond is my sister Mansura. Before I take any decision, I must consult and seek her advice. 

WM: Are you satisfied with the way Kannywood is being run by filmmakers?
Isa: I am, despite the fact that I am relatively new in the system. I salute the directors; they are doing a wonderful job. Each time you go to locations, you see new things, new ideas and new equipment. On actors, they are always improving; they try harder to be innovative, creative and flexible. It’s all good.