Rabiu Rikadawa, popularly known as Dila (fox, due to his cunning ability) is a multi-talented, veteran actor in Kannywood. Hero or villain, there is virtually no role he has not played. In this encounter, Dila, who hails from Rikadawa in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, tells Dateline Nigeria what he has been up to. Excerpts
You have been quiet for some time. What have you been doing?
I am right now working in a project called Mustapha which is being produced by Rock TV. We have finished recording the Abuja part, now we are moving to Enugu. Once we are done recording it will start airing on Rock TV. It will also interest you to know that this is a very unique project. It is not like the usual story of witchcraft, armed robbery, cultism, domestic tensions and so on. This is about nation-building, about how the northern and southern components will come together to create a country that can truly work and make progress. Part of it is a story of love between a Hausa man and an Igbo lady and how that can further unite the people to see themselves as one with a common goal.
How has coronavirus affected you as an actor?
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected so many things. In fact there is no sector it has not affected. It has affected the filmmaking industry in so many ways. It came at a time when new films are now shown in cinemas, and it brought about the concept of social or physical distancing, meaning people cannot gather at the same time in the same place. It also stopped us from going to locations from recording. Worst still it has affected the economy of the people who patronize what we do. And for someone whose source of income has been hit, watching movies will not count among his priorities. In a nutshell, the covid-19 pandemic has devastated us.
Are you satisfied with the role the government is playing in the film industry?
I don’t know what role the government is playing really as far as this industry is concerned. Let me cite as an example the promise to empower players in the film industry. I know many people have applied for this support. So I will urge the government to look kindly into this so that we can see its hands in what we do and in the development of our trade.
How do we end the rivalry within the film industry?
The reality is rivalry is not limited to the movie industry. It is everywhere. Indeed wherever you see people making money, there must be backstabbing, jealousy, and so on. But it is important for one to know himself and his worth, if you do that you will have no reason to fight anyone. I will therefore advise my colleagues, especially the upcoming ones to remain focused. Let them not fall into the trap set for them by those who do not mean well for them, those who want to create a wedge between them and their colleagues.
