Working with Veteran Actors, Opportunity to Learn — Kehinde Bankole

Kehinde Bankole needs no introduction in the movie industry as the brilliant actress has carved a niche for herself through the quality of productions she has been involved in and her artistic delivery. Bankole won the 2024 Best Actress in a Lead Role at the AMVCA and she has equally featured in countless movies. 

The Award-winning actress, Kehinde Bankole, has described working with a powerhouse cast of Nollywood veterans in the movie, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, as a wonderful experience.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “One of the most incredible aspects of this project was working with ‘giants’ in the industry, such as Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, and Joke Silva.

Their experiences and guidance were invaluable throughout the filming process. The opportunity to learn from those established actors added another layer of significance to my performance in the movie. Having their support and witnessing their professionalism firsthand was an enriching experience. It was lovely indeed.”

She added that acting alongside Oga Bello was another high point of working on the movie for her. She said, “Another exciting angle for me was Adebayo Salami and I facing off as ‘Alake’ and ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’ respectively. It is a beautiful thing to have our words coincide on screen, but experiencing it during filming was truly special.”

Bankole also stated that starring in the movie re-inspired her to launch her non-governmental organisation. She said, “Playing Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was more than just a role; it was a calling. Embodying her relentless fight for justice opened my eyes even more to the struggles that many Nigerians face.

Inspired by her legacy, I felt compelled not to delay taking action. That is why I founded The Kehinde Bankole Foundation’s ‘What About the People’, which is focused on enlightening and equipping underserved communities.

 Just like FRK, I want to use my voice to advocate in whatever way I can for a brighter future for Nigerians.”

Take acting from Kehinde who is Kehinde Bankole in real life?

I joke a lot, I like to laugh, when I am in the mood, we crack jokes and laugh and I also have a good time. I love to cook, I love spending time with family, loved ones and friends. I like to make people happy, and I can be very strict.

What is your take on the state of the industry before you joined and now?

Yes there are lots of changes; those who are ahead of us have done a lot of work. Now, there are so many opportunities, there are young producers and actors. It is spreading everywhere, the media is coming to us and we are also going to the media. It is not everybody in the entertainment industry that is acting, everybody is doing serious work here, there are editors, cinematographers, and it is way better than it was before.

How have you been able to keep off scandals?

I keep things simple; simplicity is what makes you stay away from trouble, when you keep everything simple, it makes whatever comes back to you simple.

What are some of the memorable moments on set of the film?

To be honest, every moment on set was memorable Kehinde Bankole needs no introduction in the movie industry as the brilliant actress has carved a niche for herself through the quality of productions she has been involved in and her artistic delivery. Bankole won the 2024 Best Actress in a Lead Role at the AMVCA and she has equally featured in countless movies. In this interview with MUTIAT LAWORE, Bankole spoke on her role in the biopic, “Funmilayo-Ransome Kuti,” the thin line between stage acting and movies and what she considers a good script among others. Excerpts: 

Showbiz and one cannot trade them at all. Don’t for- get I have worked in several projects as a filmmaker, but this is just a standard and well structured production. You can’t work with Bolanle Austen Production (BAP) and expect something less knowing her love and passion for any- thing theatre. The set was memorable from the quality of cast involved, to filming with Peter Thomas, the Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission in Lagos, and having the Kuti Family on ground. Also playing with pets and tortoise, and eating good, indigenous meals in Abeokuta, Ogun State, among others were interesting. It was a blast!

 

 

June 23, 2024