Actor and screenwriter , Samuel Olasehinde, son of Pa James (Ajirebi Kayode Olasehinde) , who is now in his mid - twenties , has featured in Yoruba- speaking movies over the last decade .
In a recent chat with Saturday Beats , Olasehinde noted that even though he makes people laugh naturally , he doesn ’ t have any intention to build his acting career around comedy .
“Nobody ever tried to box me into comedy ; I don ’ t even have plans to start a career in that field. I am too serious for that . Interestingly , when I host events, there is always a touch of humour but I don ’ t want to be restricted to any specific role.
Even though I studied law at the university , I was always seen at the Department of Dramatic Arts .
I studied law for the sake of knowledge and exposure.
“A lot of things have changed in the industry compared to the time when I was a child ; the industry is now more competitive and economically marketable .
There are more talents in the industry , there are no ‘ customised’ roles for anyone, and an actor must strive to stay on top of their game .
In the past, actors could afford to perform badly and still believe that producers would still call them , but things have changed .
The storytelling technique has also changed ; it has more influence on the society than before, ” he told Saturday Beat.
Asked about his long vacation from the movie scene , he added that it was just a normal phase of life for him to pass through to the next level .
“It was a normal process of life for me ; it was time to develop a particular aspect of my life. It was not easy , but knowing that it was for the greater good sustained me . Aside from the quest for versatility , the real wealth in filmmaking doesn ’ t have to do with talent ; it has to do with intellect .
I thought it was better for me to study law because I wanted to know more about protecting intellectual property, having that is an advantage for me in an industry that is gradually evolving like Nollywood .
“I started as a child actor when I was five years old , and several factors contributed to it. My father has been a part of the industry , and my eloquence as a child played a huge role in my career. As a child actor , I just felt I was having fun .
Even till now ; acting for me is still fun . It doesn ’ t occur to me that I am working . Every location to me is another opportunity to have fun .
Interestingly , I am almost 26 years old and some of my fans as a child actor still recognise me when they see me ; I have been blessed with loyal and appreciative fans .
“As a child , my parents helped me regulate my school activities as an actor because there were times when my activities as an actor almost affected my school work .
As a child , I was really outspoken and expressive . My father ’ s name has opened doors for me .
Even on my social media platform , his nickname is fixed to my name ; it gives me a special identity . His name is one of the wonderful capitals that God has given me to start my career, ” he said .
Source : Punch.ng
