Beyond The Shores... From Bollywood: Sharukh Khan Detained At US Airport

Published in LEADERSHIP (August 22, 2009)

By Al-Amin Ciroma
The famous Filmfare Best Actor, 2008, Sharukh Khan was said to have been detained by security agents at the Newark International Airport, New Jersey for hours. The Bollywood actor said he was humiliated after being detained for questioning at the immigration department of the airport, but later downplayed the incident as an "unfortunate procedure."
Reports indicate that Khan, 43, was questioned for more than an hour and detained, according to him because, his picture showed up on a security alert list. "It was absolutely uncalled for, having just finished work there a couple of weeks ago," he said. Adding that, "They said I have a common name which caused the delay... they checked my bags... I felt angry and humiliated."
In a statement, the officials at the airport said they were only concerned about the actor's luggage, which was reported missing. According to them, the questioning was part of routine process. The statement further indicated that the examination took only 66 minutes - which they said would've taken less time had Khan's luggage not been lost, a statement, which the actor denied, saying that he was singled out for questioning by the US immigration officials due to his Muslim name -- sparking outrage among his millions of Indian fans, as well as senior politicians and the Indian press.
"America needs to understand one thing... that there are about 190-195 smaller countries and that make up the rest of the world. It's not an isolated, parallel universe existence for this country. There is a whole world which makes all the good and bad that is happening," said the actor, who is one of the biggest names in Bollywood.
"So if we are scared of violence and terrorism, all of us are responsible for it. It's not that the world is and America is not," he said. Khan further disclosed that he understood US security concerns after the 9/11 attacks.
Meanwhile, the Indian civil aviation minister vowed to take the matter up with the US government, while Indian newspapers slammed the discrimination allegedly inflicted on one of the country's most loved actors.
US officials have said that Sharukh Khan, was subject only to routine procedures at the airport and was questioned for little more than an hour. But the actor Khan, just came back from the United States where he finished shooting his film, My Name is Khan, a movie due out next year that features the contentious subject of racial profiling.
The US embassy in New Delhi attempted to end the controversy describing Khan as a "global icon," who was a welcome guest in the United States.
It will be recalled that series of classic racial profiling have hit Bollywood icons, and this is seen as a clear abuse of civil liberties and lack of due diligence from the bureaucratic side of the US government. "It's not the iconic Sharukh Khan who should be intimidated, its the lazy, ignorant, unionized employee who should feel threatened and it is time to kick to the curb the incompetent, in a recession full of qualified people who can do the job of a US border official far better," says the film maker.
Reports also show that famous among those humiliated were Kamal Haasan, an Indian actor, who was detained in April 2002 for hours at the airport, after commencing the film Pantchathathiram's shoot in Toronto, on his way to Los Angeles. Reports also show that Aamir Khan had a similar experience a month before Haasan at a Chicago airport.
"Each year thousands more tourists and famous filmmakers join the silent ranks of those terrorised by the racial profiling practiced by the Western immigration and police. What chance does an average tourist have in the US when even the Ex-President of India, Dr. Kalam was hassled there," added Mr. Nair, the famous Indian Filmmaker, stressing the fact that this is not an isolated incident.

Mourinho And Muslim World

Mourinho's Ramadan comments have landed him in hot water once again as Islamic dignitaries react with anger...

Mourinho was my hero until August 25! I respect those who respect other people's opinions, thoughts, religions and way of life. As a Christian, he should respect the doctrines of Islam because both are divine from God. A true man of God should at least have a fair bit of interllectuality. If your player can not perform well because he is fasting, why should you make a nasty comment on him? As far as we know, Ramadan is a cleanser. It has positive reactions to Muslims. Therefore, Mourinho should keep quiet!!!

The player in question was Sulley Ali Muntari, a Ghanian.

The First Customised Cars And Biking Stunts In Abuja

It was the first of its kind, the event was held at the Eagle Square last Saturday. Al-Amin Ciroma and Nasir S. Gwangwazo were there and reports:

Stunt biking is a cross between sport motorcycling and a kind of rough-around-the-edges ballet. To do wheelies, tank tricks, and other popular stunt bike moves, a stunt biker will need a stunt bike. A stunt bike is a motorcycle or motorbike used to perform stunts or tricks. However, some people occasionally refer to a traditional, non-motorised bicycle used to perform tricks as a stunt bike.
Stunt bikes are basically modified sport bikes, adapted to make the bike tricks of stunt bikers easier and more flashy. Some stunt bikers go with the street fighter look — using a pared-down version of a sport bike, with no windscreen, and the traditional clip-ons replaced by dirt bike handlebars. Others opt for full faring — meaning that their bikes look a lot like regular sport bikes, and, include clip-on handlebars. There are also dirt stunt bikes and street stunt bikes; the name refers to the surface that the stunts are performed on.
While most stunt bikes are tricked out, or modified by their owners, there are a few basic elements that most bikers like on their stunt bikes. Some tricks require that the biker get up on the tank of the motorcycle and some bikers find that a smashed tank helps accomplish these stunts. To do this, they’ll flatten out the tank using a rubber mallet, while being careful to avoid puncturing the tank.
Since bikers don’t want to slide off in the middle of a wheelie — a trick where the biker rides the bike on one of the bikes two wheels — the bike’s seat will often include non-slip material such as skateboard grip tape.
Stunt bikes also have a handbrake. This is a hand-operated version of the rear brake. Attached to the left clip-on handlebar, it helps stunt riders when doing advanced circle wheelies, tank tricks, and other stunts.
A cage is often included on a stunt bike to protect the engine in case of falls or other mishaps. Stunt bikes are also typically altered on the front gears, allowing greater flexibility and maximum stunt potential.
The first customised show for cars and bikes held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on August 15, 2009. The weather at the Federal Capital was quite condusive for the show. The organisers, Bluefield Partners made it fantastic and tagged it ‘Abuja Custom Car and Bike Show 2009’, the event was interactive, participants asked questions on the operations and modifications of the customised cars and bikes, and how they could get their cars customised.
It was kick-started with a special sermon by a Road Safety official, who stood in for the the provost of the commission. She expressed the need for road users to adhere to the rules and regulations governing driving and riding. According to her, a qualified driver or biker is he who arrives his destination in peace.
The show raised awareness on the need to customising cars, stunts, candy carwash, and award ceremony came in at the end of the event.
There were also side-attractions, where notable artistes performed. Charlie Boy was also in attendance, where he did a little performance. Also present were Banky-W, Mode-9, Darey Art-Alade, El-de and Kal.
Stunt stages, according to expert bikers, who attended the show ranges from a pro-stunter right in the comfort of your own home. They opined riders of all levels of skill and experience will be trained to showcase their expertise.
Meanwhile, the event according to the organisers would be an annual event that would rotate amongst the major cities in the country.

At the end of the event, our correspondents cornered Yusuf Sani Doki, ‘Chairman,’ as he was fondly called by his colleagues. Doki won the award for the BEST STUNT 2009. He bares his mind on the know-how of biking, his achievements and how they come about forming their 09-Bikers, excerpts:
Briefly tell us about yourself.
My name is Yusuf Sani Doki, I am from Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State. I read Mechanical Engineering from Birnin kebbi Polytechnic, after which I proceeded to Nigerian Police Academy in 1996.
From Mechnical Engineering to Police Academy and now biking, why these huddles?
Actually, I was motivated and moved by the outfit of the bikers, putting on their helmets, jackets and their accessories, these are some of the things that motivated me into the game. And from the on set, we used to browse and see for ourselves how the bikers around the world use to organise themselves.
Are you operating indivisually or in a group?
We have a club in Abuja called 09 Bikers and I am one of the prospective member of the association. We have our defined goals and objectives, we normally go out biking during weekends.
What does it take to be a biker?
To be a biker in Abuja, first and foremost, you should own a bike and a register with the club, which is a registered organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The club, like other organisations, has roles and regulations. Our training department in 09 Bikers is well equipped. We have trained officials who train our members to adher strictly to traffic regulations, biking rules and what have you.
How do you cope with the risk in the game?
There is no any extraordinary risk involved in biking, most especially when you are cautioned. For example, you can’t go biking without helmet, your gears (jacket-armour) and most importantly, one obeying traffic rules.
Wich model of bike qualifies one to be in your club?
We don’t authorise ordinary motorcylces because they can not withstand the huddles The minium capacity of the bike is from 400CC and above. Depending on the model you can handle. We have up to 1200CC and even higher.
Considering the high cost of purchasing these bikes, can an ordinary man be able to procure them?
It is just a hobby it also require interest. If you can save from your little income, one day, you will be there. Some of us are from poor backgrounds, but then, since the interest is there, they were able to get the bikes and join the club.There are different categories of people among us. We have police, doctors, military personnel, including road safety marshalls. So, you will agree with me that the game is for anybody who is willing to join. There is no disparity in it.
I could recall, before I own mine, I did some savings. So, it is a matter of interest.
Tell us about the just concluded custom car and bike show in Abuja.
We were invited to attend the show. It is a kind of jamboree of bikers around the country. We did not organise it. We went there and tremendousely made fantastic appearances, we did some stunts and what have you.
What success have you recorded in the show?
I was awarded the best stunt 2009 at the grand finale. The award goes to any biker that can make wonderful things with his bike, including twist and sommersaults. That is what we call the ‘willy’and the ‘stoppy’,’like moving with one tyre and so on.
What fun do you derive in biking?
My most memorable moment was when we were invited to attend a wedding ceremony of a friend at Gurara dam. The trip was memorable, because we went there and made some shows and came back tremendously. There was no casualties recorded.
What is your appeal to government?
Our appeal to government is to approve a piece of land for us so as to create a racing track for our trainings.
And to your fellow bikers?
My appeal to my fellow bikers as the provost of the club, is to always abide by the rules and regulations of the game. For example, no biker is allowed to ride on his bike without the primary accessories, e.g hand gloves, helmet with complete armour to avoide the risk involved. In Nigeria, when you are driving, you are driving for yourself as well as others. Therefore, my appeal to the fellow 09 Bikers is to adhere strictly to the rules of the game.

Published in LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS today

Nollywood Sans Kannywood

By Ibrahim Sheme

I think when the world (or even Nigerian federal officials) talk about Nollywood, they are not thinking about the Hausa film industry, a.k.a. Kannywood. Nollywood is simply the Nigerian movie industry WITHOUT its Hausa component. Surprisingly, Nollywood includes the Igbo and Yoruba productions. The question is: why are Hausa movies not included? In my view, it has to do with the fact that federal officials working in the culture sector - Ministry of Information and its parastatals such as the National Film and Videos Censors Board and the Nigerian Film Corporation - hardly remember Kannywood when they are designing policies. Until in recent years, they scarcely included Kannywood stakeholders in their programmes.

Of course, things have been changing in recent years. Kannywood stakeholders have been making an in-road into the federal culture sector - participating in film festivals, awards and meetings. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go before we get THERE, largely due to the dominance of non-Northerners in the sector and in the mainstream mass media. If you take a look at the entertainment pages of Nigerian newspapers where news and gossip about the Nigerian movie world are told, you will hardly see anything being said about Kannywood. That is, with the exception of northern papers like Leadership, Trust, New Nigerian and Triumph.

The senseless attacks on Kannywood operators by officials of the Kano State Censorship Board in the bogus name of sanitising the industry appears to have taken Kannywood back in reckoning. That's the actual target of the censors. But theirs is a futile exercise because only a dimwit will presuppose that a censorship regime can destroy the progress of the new information technologies, of which movies are a significant part.

This is more so in a democracy, which has a preset tenure. As the Hausa say, "Zalunci ba ya karewa!"

Pete Edochie Kidnapped

By Al-Amin Ciroma, Abuja
Sunday, 16 August 2009 22:17

Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was yesterday reportedly kidnapped by suspected kidnappers. According to reports, the veteran actor was kidnapped at Nkpor Village, a few kilometres to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Speaking in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP, the actor's son, Uche Edochie, confirmed that the actor was being driven from his country home in Enugu in the company of his family members when armed men stopped the car he was travelling in.

Edochie disclosed that though the incident was obviously financially-motivated and one of many in a string of recent kidnappings of influential Nigerians, the kidnappers were yet to get in touch with the family, or demand a ransom, "our family is still in shock, and making attempts to contact the police; there is no handbook on what to do when your father is kidnapped," he said.

As at the time of writing this report, most of the stakeholders and practitioners in the motion picture industry were startled.

It will be recalled that this is the second incident where a movie stakeholder is kidnapped. A few months ago, a renowned Hausa movie actress, Shamsiyya Habib (Kansakali) was equally kidnapped in Zaria, Kaduna state. Meanwhile, all effort to contact the officials of Nollywood to comment on the matter proved abortive.

The Sky Is Not My Limit, It’s My Starting Point! —Abba El-Mustapha

By Al-Amin Ciroma

Published in LEADERSHIP, August 15, 2009

At the start of his career, Abba El-Mustapha was usually cast as a romantic hero. His first major hit film was Ruda from where he gained the household name, Ruda. When his movies became popular in the early days of his profession, El-Mustapha starred as lead actor in many such films. Abba’s most memorable role in movies was in the blockbuster, Jarumai where he was teamed with big shots in the Hausa film genre, Ali Nuhu, Sani Danja, Aminu Shariff (Momo) and Ibrahim Maishinku. Asides Ali Nuhu, (according to critics), no other film star can claim to be equally good in showcasing reality as Abba El-Mustapha. Recalling back his early days, the star said he developed interest in acting after the completion of his course at Kano State Polytechnic.
Born 31 years ago in Gwale local government area of Kano State, Abba Ruda made enquires into the happenings at Kannywood and as a result embarked on his quest to stardom. The adorable and most-charming actor was opportuned to nurse a prolific acting career for some years and has recorded tremendous success. In his early days, Abba Ruda has featured in about five blockbuster movies, which include; Ruda, Qamshi, Dausayi, Girma, Feshi and Jarumai and now, he has recroded more than 100 films to his credit. The multi-talented actor also happens to be a good director; this shows how versatile he is. Abba ‘Ruda’ has been able to distinguished himself as a professional actor and a gifted director; he has directed numerous hit movies among which are; Rataya, Auduga, Tufafi, Riba and Feshi, etc.
This ‘screen lord’ obtained a diploma in Crime Management, Prevention and Control in 2002 from the Bayero University Kano. The actor’s appetite for versatile knowledge helped him gain admission at Kano State Polytechnic where he studied Banking and Finance in a bid improve on his curriculum vitae.
Personal Life:
One striking feature that stands him out as a showbiz personality, is his great sense of glamour. His style he says is a reflection of his personality. The actor, who is said to be a very casual and down-to-earth person, has extreme fondness for his mother and siblings. Although known for making jest of his colleagues, the star actor’s brash confidence, charisma and impressive physical appearance make him one of the sought after faces in the Hausa Movie Industry. The actor is said to exhibit inexhaustible reasonability and directness, one of his strong assets in his interpersonal endeavour. Abba ‘Ruda’ as he is lovingly called by his colleagues and fans, is potentially one of the biggest film actors in the industry.
On how he copes with fans, Abba says; On sight, people might think an actor is pompous or snobbish, but this is usually not the case. Let me speak for myself. I am very delighted to tell my fans that Abba is a simple man, who embraces all his fans; I am as simple as cool drinking water. Without my admirers, I might not be a star. We are into the entertainment industry to act and showcase make-belief actions in order to enlighten and entertain. Therefore, I want to inform you that, I tend to gain more from my teeming fans. I love them today and always. Even though, some may take your simplicity for granted, I learn to cope with all siutations that come my way. I treat all of my fans alike (both male and female) and that is how I have been getting it going."
On the trend in the industry, Abba Ruda says, "With the inclinations in the motion picture industry, the sky is just a starting point for my acting career. I am always moved by the rapid development in the motion picture industry and in the near future, I hope to write my name in the world's most popular Hall of Fame."
The award winning Kannywood star believes in himself. Noting that as a versatile actor, he so much cherishes his acting abilities. "Sometimes, one has to blow his trumpet otherwise; nobody else will do it for you. Sometimes, I caution those who allow threats from different angles discourage them. I respect a lot of stars in this game, but I must admit, I believe in myself. I am a role model of my humble self."
Kannywood is also a venture of sorts where lots of things happen day by day. Asked about his most memorable and embarrassing moments, the film star said, "My most embarrassing moment was the Hiyana scandal. Although it brought a lot of reforms in the industry; for example, the poor girl might not have thought of marrying earlier than now but she is now in her husband's house. Secondly, the circumstance helped immensely in restructuring the industry. However, some 'stooges' used the avenue to satisfy their diverse opinions. But then, no one prays for its recurrence.
“On the memorable side, the words of my mum on my first day on set will never be forgotten. She said to me, ‘Abba, go ahead; you will make it. Just believe and the Almighty God will see you through."
Like any other actor, Abba Ruda's zeal in the showbiz arena has earned him some awards and nominations. He dedicates all his awards to his mum and teeming fans.

Behold, The Music Queen: 'I am the Only Artiste to Sing for Obama'

By Al-Amin Ciroma

Published in LEAERSHIP, August 08,09

Aishat has been in the music industry for decades. Recalling age-old memories of her school days, the Bauchi State-born artiste said, "Music is my life. I love to compose songs. I started by writting poems, because they portray ones’ innermost feelings. Poems or songs are means of communciation and information dissemination, as well as tools for entertainment and enlightenment."
The music queen is also a reality TV documentary producer. Shedding light on the subject, she said a documentary incorporates interviews with the people involved in a subject and an actual footage of what is relevant to the society. She said her vision is to realise her dreams and the best way to do that, the bold and courageous lyricist opened up, is via a broad category of visual expression that is based on the attempt of a ‘documentary’ reality. "Although, documentary film’, originally referred to movies shot on film stock, it has subsequently expanded to include video and digital productions that could be either direct-to-video or made for a television series."
Asked how she goes about the two aspects, Aishat said that one should define his goals and work hard to actualise his or her dreams. "Documentary production and music are two different things, but they also go hand-in-hand. Music is my hubby, I am a born artiste and I equally developed a flair for producing documentaries, which is more or less a cinematic tradition that showcases individual talents. Both have a clear boundary. If I am on location producing documentaries, even though there are different entities of documentaries, I will basically insist on personality profiles and societal re-orientation."
A lot of up-comming artistes are now on the floor, and asked what her plans are to survive in the world of competition, Queen stated that art is nature’s gift. According to her, there is no basis for competition. "I don’t compose songs to seek for roles in movies. My music is basically on political awareness and human interest angles. Even though I am not the only one doing that, but I can assure you, that, if you believe in yourself, the Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will equally lift you up. I don’t look at other people’s work. I concentrate on mine. If by chance we meet, we shake hands, otherwise, everybody is on his own," she said.
Looking at role music plays in the political arena, the ever-courageous artiste opined that politics is all about advocacy. With music, she emphasised, a politician will be able to convey his plans to his teeming audience. "Music travels far and near, a true political train will not prosper without singing its gospel. So, music helps a great deal in political campaigns. It is also an avenue to remind leaders of their primary obligations and what they owe their subjects, she said."
Queen Aishat boasted that, so far, she is the only artiste in the North to sing for the first black president of the United States of America, Barack Obama. "Following the trends of US democracy, I found out that Obama is a great man, so I joined millions of people around the world in expressing delight and happiness. I composed a song in Hausa for Obama, and I can assure my audience that my music is currently being played at the White House, where I recieved a lot of commendation."
How did she do it? "It’s simple! I have told you earlier that one needs to identify his or her goals and map out strategies for achieving his dreams. My brother works with the Voice Of America (VOA), Hausa service; he is Ibrahim Alfa Ahmed. He is the pillar of my success. He first aired the music on the first 100 days of Obama in office, and thereafter submitted it through the appropriate channels."
The award- winning singer feels proud to have her works scale through the office of the world’s most powerful leader. "When I heard my songs aired on the Voice of America, I felt great. I look forward to meeting Obama one on one."
While wishing Aishat the best in her career, we wait to see pictures of her with Barack Obama at White House!