Veteran Nollywood actor Antar Laniyan is not just known for his commanding presence on screen, but also as a symbol of unwavering dedication behind the scenes. But that dedication, he now reveals, has come at a heavy personal cost.
In a recent interview with The Nation, the seasoned actor opened up about the painful sacrifices he made in the early years of his career. Antar Laniyan shared how he missed his own father’s burial and was absent during the birth of his daughter,all in the name of professionalism. He recounted:
“I couldn’t attend my father’s burial because I had taken payment and was already booked for a shoot. The producer wouldn’t let me leave.”
Rather than back out or disappoint, he sent his younger brothers in his place, and requested they record the burial on VHS so he could at least watch it later.
Regarding his daughter, Antar Laniyan disclosed how he left his wife in the hospital, shortly after a Caesarean section, just to fulfil a film shoot commitment. He said:
“My wife insisted I should go. The director, Andy Amaenechi, quickly arranged my scenes. I left the set by midnight and trekked from Ojuelegba to Mushin.”
According to the ace actor, these experiences have shaped his strict work ethic and discipline, particularly when it comes to lateness and flippant excuses. He said firmly:
“If I could sacrifice that much, then I don’t entertain flimsy reasons for coming late. You’ll simply have to leave.”
In other news, veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has opened up about a terrifying health ordeal that left him bedridden for years.
The Yoruba film icon while on Oyinmomo TV, revealed that his health crisis began while on his way to a movie location for the late Arakangudu’s production. On the journey, he suddenly felt an intense, stabbing pain in his chest.
Thinking it was malaria, he turned to local remedies. But when the symptoms worsened, he sought medical help and was eventually diagnosed with a chronic ulcer.
Ogogo disclosed he battled the illness for over seven years.
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